As draining as they are, tenant complaints are part being a landlord. So, it's vital to learn how to handle tenant complaints so you can keep your renters happy and encourage lease renewals.  It is your job to resolve these concerns quickly and effectively. In the long run, how you manage tenant complaints will influence your tenant retention rate.

This article, prepared by our experts at Peak Residential, looks at some of the most common tenant complaints and provides remedies for them:

Infestation from Pests

Understandably, tenants grow concerned when their rental property is infested with undesirable pests such as rats, termites, or roaches, which can be a hazard. It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure that your home is habitable.  Check your property for signs of pests frequently to avoid this problem. If you're aware of these problems, schedule treatments with an exterminator every few months.

Disruptive Pets

Tenants with pets are very much responsible for the cleanliness of their pets. So, should neighbors complain about a specific animal or there are reports of mess, you can issue warnings and refer to your lease's pet appendix for more information.  If the problem persists, eviction may be considered a possible solution.  Aggressive dogs must also be dealt with immediately. One key responsibility as a landlord is to protect your tenants. If aggressive behavior is observed, the owner must address the issue as animal hostility can result in injuries.

So, you want to avoid any mishaps when renting out your property and issue warnings before contacting city officials. Fortunately, having a robust pet screening process usually keeps this from happening.

Security Deposit Returns

This is frequently a source of controversy between landlords and renters who vacate the premises. Tenants may believe that their landlord is keeping money that belongs to them. To avoid this, ensure your lease is clear as to what deductions are made from the security deposit to avoid this problem.

It's a good idea to send out reminders of the tenants’ responsibilities in keeping the rental unit clean and damage-free during their stay. If the refund is partial or unavailable, give the tenant a detailed itemized summary of the security deposit deductions.

Poor Communication

An unreliable, difficult to reach or difficult to communicate with landlord can be a challenge for tenants to stay with. Although landlords may assume they are not obligated to respond to all communications, their failure to do so can be regarded as a refusal to listen to tenants' complaints.

Tenants should be given as much information as they require from their landlord. Even if you don't have an instant response, it is helpful to let the tenant know you've received their message and are investigating the situation.

Bottom Line

Property management is a difficult endeavor requiring a wide range of abilities and experience to complete successfully. Peak Residential is a property management firm that offers a broad range of services. We handle everything from marketing your property to tenant screening, upkeep, rent collecting, tenant complaints, leasing preparation, and financial reporting.

Our goal is to ensure that your property achieves maximum success while keeping you updated on its progress. Our vast property management history demonstrates our commitment to offering exceptional property management services, like screening, maketing or rent collection to our clients. Don't hesitate to contact us at 916-988-5357 or info@peakresidential.com.