In such a competitive market, landlords are looking for ways in which they can improve the experience for their tenants and extend their leases. After all, having long-term tenants is key to enjoying the fruits of property ownership.
One of the ways to guarantee this is to manage tenant complaints. For the duration of the lease, your property is the home of your tenants. If their requests and concerns are responded to in a timely manner, they would have no reason to move out.
In this article, we will be breaking down the common complaints tenant have and also providing landlords with ways in which they can solve them.
Common Complaints and Their Solutions
Property Maintenance Issues
Experienced property owners who have tried their hand at self-management will agree that maintenance issues create the most common complaints from tenants. As per the state rental laws, it’s the responsibility of the property owner to conduct any repairs on the property to ensure that the unit remains safe and habitable.
Once you have received notice of an issue, you should visit the property. Conduct an inspection, analyze the issue and get a clearer picture of the situation. If you are unable to repair the matter immediately, schedule a time when you can do the repairs or have a handyman come on your behalf.
There are some maintenance issues that are of more priority than others. For example, if a heater/ boiler breaks down during the colder seasons of the year, you have to make the repairs as quickly as possible. Always have a reputable contractor on speed dial who can respond to your calls as soon as possible.
Finally, keep your tenants in the loop during the course of the repairs. By addressing these types of complaints and keeping tenants informed they’ll be more likely to renew their lease because they know you value their comfort and safety.
Noise Complaints
Complaints of noise take various shapes. It could be the neighbor holding a party late at night or playing their musical instrument at odd hours of the morning.
We recommend that you first let the neighbors seek to resolve the issues between themselves. Ask the impacted neighbor to speak to the other to come to an amicable solution. This often solves the issue.
On occasion, there will be those who don’t listen to the request. This would require you to step in. Refer to the lease agreement and to the state law that guarantees every tenant a right to quiet enjoyment of space. If necessary, you may have to terminate the lease. It would be better to lose a tenant causing issues than one who abides by the terms of the lease.
Noise complaints are a bit difficult to deal with when the perpetrator is not your tenant. Since you have no jurisdiction there, it would be best to call in local enforcement.
Pest and Bug Infestation
One of the fastest ways to lose a tenant is through a pest or bug infestation. Ranging from bedbugs and rodents to cockroaches and ants, these critters can make living in a rental property undesirable for your tenant.
It’s recommended to always be on the lookout for signs of infestation. Conduct regular inspections of the property’s interior and exterior. Also, educate your tenants on what to look out for. Ensure that they know how to dispose of their garbage and clean properly str their food to mitigate the risks of attracting pests.
You should also look for competent and experienced exterminators who can sort out the issue immediately. Often, pest infestation complaints are not localized. There is always a possibility that one of the neighbors might be the next victim. Do a notice to the whole complex and request to inspect the rental units, looking for signs of infestation.
By being proactive and forthcoming you’ll be able to mitigate risks and keep tenants feeling comfortable in their rentals.
Pet Issues
To increase the allure of your rentals, you might have agreed to lease your property to pet owners. But with this comes the possibility of noise, messes or smells, and aggressive behavior. To protect your property and other tenants, just the same way you vetted your potential tenants, you should also screen the animals.
General Problem Solving Tips for Landlords
For property owners choosing to self-manage their properties, you would need to guarantee that you are available day and night. Maintenance issues or noise complaints can occur at whatever time of day or night. And a tenant would expect that you are able to see to their issues, regardless of the time.
Additionally, it’s advisable for you to improve your communication skills. Always listen keenly to the exact problem of your tenants. Ensure you have understood the problem before giving a solution. And whenever you have set a timeline to solve an issue, ensure that you stick to it.
Finally, always keep a copy of all communication with regard to your tenants’ complaints. Try and get everything in writing including the initial complaint and the steps taken to solve it. Should there be a legal issue in the future, you will be able to use it to protect your interest.
Conclusion
When you adhere to the guidelines and advice provided above, your tenants likely extend their lease. This is because they would enjoy renting from someone they feel can address their needs.
To better manage your tenants’ expectations, you might need professional help as self-management can be very time-consuming. Rely on the leading property experts in Pittsburgh and beyond, DeSantis Property Management.
Our wide range of property management solutions has made a world of difference for hundreds of property owners in the area. We can help you unleash your rental property’s full potential and achieve your investment goals. Get in touch with us today and receive a quote for our services!
