Are You Doing Enough to Scare Your Tenants?

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Okay, so maybe you don’t want to hear fearful shrieks or make babies cry every time you pass by, but it doesn’t hurt if your tenants are just a little afraid of you — or more precisely, afraid of what may happen if they break the rules.

In order to manage your rentals effectively, tenants have to know that there are boundaries, and they need to fear the consequences of crossing those lines.

Here are three areas where you can show that you are a force to be reckoned with:

1. First impressions stick. When you advertise a vacancy and meet with prospective tenants, come across as someone who means business. Toss around some of the rules you enforce. Let prospects know you are actively involved in the management of the property. Difficult tenants may decide to go elsewhere.

2. Many problems can be nipped in the bud if you act immediately. Allowing tenants to break rules multiple times only trains them that they can get away with it. Before you know it, they’ll push those boundaries even farther by delaying rent or damaging the property without concern.

3. Continue to pursue problem tenants even after they skip out. Leaving without paying rent, cleaning up the unit, or repairing damage is the ultimate show of disrespect. Don’t let a tenant like that get away with it. Pursue you legal rights, including taking deadbeat tenants to debt collection if necessary.

American Apartment Owners Association offers discounts on products and services for all your property management needs. Find out more at www.joinaaoa.org.