Tenant Problems

[John J.]

I would like your opinion on how to deal with unhappy, complaining, irate, troublemaking tenants. I've been manager/operator for three years now. I have increased the overall property value by raising monthly rents, I have brought in new and pre-owned home to fill vacant lots, improved landscaping, etc. I have evicted most of the deadbeat non-paying tenants.

I now have two male tenants (64 and 73) who do noting but make me and my family miserable just about everyday. The first man has been here for about 24 years. He also has been trying to get the other tenants on his side by telling them lies and making up stories.

He calls downstate to the owners and makes up lies about the park, i.e.park slippery, park no sanded, grass is to high, manager no snow plowing the park, tenants are getting stuck, and on and on.) He's been known to phone the police and tell a lie, (i was almost arrested) They say at one time he was trying to get the managers job. His newest thing is to yell at my kids and others in the park while their playing or riding their bikes.

The other tenant also harrases me also. Two days ago he made a big show in front of the owner. We were riding around the park just checking things out, when the owner stopped to say hello, and warned the tenant that the manager was in the car, this is when he started to go off the wall. He called me a few choice names, threatened my life, and advised me I was two-ffaced. He also stated that if this keeps up that he was going to move from the park.

So I than have to go have a talk with him, then we get into an argument. I have sent him letter about his actions, contacted the social services department and advised the owners also. I want him evicted from the park, however the owners say not until we can fill the park with more tenants. This is a small park, only 32 lots, with 24 filled. It's hard not to pay attention to these older people when they bother you everyday. I don't know what to do at this time.

Thanks for the advice.

John J.

[Chrissy]

John - What a mess! There are, of course, problem residents everywhere, but usually in a larger community it is easier not to confront them every day. In your particular situation, I would do a couple of things. First, threatening someone's life in most states is a crime. I would report it. Secondly, tell these residents with the greatest sincerity that you hate to see them so unhappy. Offer to "expand their housing opportunities." In other words, maybe they would be happier somewhere else. Asking residents to move is not generally my style or my advice, but sometimes there are those folks who are just so unhappy and complain so much that nothing you can do will ever satisfy them. I do wish you luck in filling your community, and in having fewer confrontations.

[Jeanie]

I've had similar problems with complaints. I have a small handful of residents who come into my office with regular complaints. I have even spotted these residents out driving around nearly every day looking for infractions to bring to my attention. I have started having them do a written complaint rather than just telling me their complaints. I then put a copy in thier file and one in the file of the "offender": along with any actions I may or may not have taken in that situation. Hopefully by having these residents write out EVERY complaint EVERY time they will get tired of doing it!

[Jerry Lewis]

We manage a small park also. Our prospectus states we will not "acknowledge verbal or anonymous complaints". The complaintant is advised to come to the office, write his (or her) complaint, date it and sign it then he and I will take it to the offender together to work out a solution. The number of complaints delevered in the manner is "0". It's a little different situation when you refuse to be the "Goat"!