How to avoid a rude tenant?

Whether it’s a landlord dealing with a difficult tenant or a tenant dealing with a bad neighbor, there are bound to be different types of individuals that may bring conflict. However, there are ways to deal with these types of situations.

Set up Screening for a Rude Tenant

If landlords want to reduce the incidence of dealing with a rude tenant, half the battle is in a thorough tenant screening process. The other half depends on a landlord’s approach to property management. Background checks should include a credit report, rental histories and paystubs. Landlords should also conduct a thorough interview, where the aim is not to sell the potential tenant but to know them. The landlord’s main aim should be to get a sense of the kind of person this tenant is; could they become a rude tenant in the future? What do their references from past places have to say about them?

On the Tenant’s Side

Sometimes, the flip side of a rude tenant is a bad neighbor. In this case, there are a few things that can be done. While it’s up to the landlord to take legal action, tenants can rally their issues together and bring it to the attention of the landlord. Sometimes, a lease agreement will specifically state terms against loud noises. Anything that is in the lease contract must be followed, so it’s wise to check first. If this rude tenant cannot be reasoned with then a violation of terms may be the best action. Make sure to document and take notes of unsavory behavior.

At the end of the day, dealing with bad tenants is a matter of subjective experience. While some tenants and landlords are okay compromising and making smaller adjustments to their own behavior, others opt to issue a notice of lease violation instead. This could make things uncomfortable for a while but could end up resulting in a better living environment for all.