As a landlord, you have certain duties to your residential tenants. Some are set by law, and others are covered in the lease agreement. Your tenants also have a duty to comply with the terms of the lease.
Many tenancies exist without any issues ever coming up, but there are others that might involve tenant complaints. Ensuring you address all complaints in a timely manner and as effectively as possible could help to preserve your standing as a good landlord.
Take all complaints seriously
You have to take all complaints seriously. It doesn’t matter if it’s a clogged toilet, peeling paint, or noisy neighbors. Listen carefully to what they have to say and let them know that you understand. Find out what their optimal solution is so you can see if it’s something that you can do. Remember, some complaints are emergencies that should be addressed right away.
Communicate clearly
One of the most important things to do is to communicate clearly and honestly with your tenant. If they make a complaint that you can’t address or that isn’t your issue to resolve, let them know the reason. Never lie to a tenant about what’s going to happen.
How you handle tenant complaints can also play a role in avoiding legal troubles. If you end up in court due to a legal matter with a residential tenant, you should ensure that you have someone on your side who’s familiar with handling these matters. You need to explore your options and follow the appropriate course of action that you feel is the best one for the current situation.
