Common tenant complaints and how to manage them like a pro

It does not matter how well you keep your property, some issues are still bound to appear. Handling tenants can be tricky, so dealing with them in a proper and kind manner will be really helpful for a fruitful relationship.

Keep reading to see the most common complaints tenants make and how to successfully resolve them.

Maintenance

Ensuring that the property is in tip-top condition can be challenging, but it is so necessary. Maintenance requests left unattended is the number #1 complaint tenants make regarding their rental property. Letting them know you are interested in their comfort and security by tending to their maintenance needs can go a long way.

Having a clear line of communication and a simple system to send their requests is the best way to make sure that these issues are addressed.

Apart from emergency repairs, it is also very important to remember that seasonal upkeep must be properly managed. See our blog posts on seasonal maintenance here: Spring – Summer – Winter – Fall

Privacy

Not only is it a bit annoying for the tenant for you to show up unannounced at the property, but it can actually be a criminal offense if it even remotely resembles harassment against them. Having respect for their privacy is key to having a good relationship.

Unless it is imperative to visit the property because of an emergency, always ensure that you give them at least 24 hour written notice that you may be dropping by.

Noise

Noisy neighbors are not the owner’s fault, but it doesn’t mean you cannot help the tenants have a better time at your property.

If the problem is with a tenant also renting with you, you could offer to talk to them or mediate to help them reach an agreement amicably.

If not, you could look into helping them with the installation of insulation, or with soundproofing the property.

The best solution for these issues will always be to resolve them by talking with the tenant causing the discomfort, but offering something extra can make your tenant really happy!

Pests

One of the most awful things that can happen in your home is having unwanted guests invade you, so this one requires immediate action in most cases.

Calling an exterminator promptly can solve the issue right away, but periodical inspections and upkeep can help you be sure that the pests won’t cause any more problems.

Something to keep in mind is that the lease your tenants get will need to include how you will manage each of these items, and must strictly follow the Texas Property Code.

It can be really tiring dealing with all of this, so leaving your property in the hands of experts (like us!) can help you relax in the knowledge that things will be taken care of.

Don't know how to handle your tenants? We can help!

Holiday Safety Tips for Tenants

This year’s holiday season is well underway! From spending time with our loved ones, to sipping hot cocoa by the fire, and filling our homes with the holiday cheer, many of us will be quite busy over the next few weeks.

During this time of year it is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but it is important to remember that there are a few added risks associated with the holidays.

Here’s how you can help keep your rental safe this holiday season:

House fires

Did you know that 50% of house fires start in the kitchen? And the peak time for them is the holiday season!

Some tips to prevent them and be safe are:

Test your smoke alarms before cooking to make sure they work
Keep the stove top clean and away from flammable materials
Don’t cook under the influence of alcohol or other
Don’t leave the home while something is cooking in the oven
Make sure the floor is clean so you don’t slip on any spilt liquid.

Another big part of being safe from house fires is to make wise decisions when it comes to decorations.

Be mindful when using candles and make sure to keep them away from decorations
Do an inspection of your heating system and leave decorations far from it.
Check your holiday lights to ensure cords are in good condition and not frayed.
When decorating outside, make sure the lights are outdoor-appropriate and that they are connected away from places where snow could make puddles.

Inspect the house exterior and interior

Winter weather can cause damage to your home, which can be dangerous to the people living in it. Some things to examine include:

Removing dead branches or trees that could fall into the property
Inspect and clean chimneys at least once a year
Keep the gutters clean to make sure water and snow can drain out properly.
Clean up the snow from walkways and parking spaces to avoid any accidents.
Keep the temperature at a minimum of 55 degrees to keep pipes from freezing.
Review emergency procedures to know what to do in case of an emergency.

Keeping the house safe when traveling

It’s important to keep an eye out for changing COVID-19 state guidelines to travel safe and keep yourself and your family safe, but also make sure your home is safe while you are away, some ways to do this are:

Check all the property’s windows, doors and accesses have been secure before leaving.
Make sure all appliances are disconnected to avoid a short-circuit from starting a fire.
Let your landlord and neighbors know when you are leaving and for how long so they can take measures to ensure the property is secure and that nothing happens while you are away.

From all of us at Frontline Property Management, Inc. we wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

Tag: tenants