It looks as if I originally posted this in leasing category - I didn't realize there were categories so pasted it here. I'll try to remove the post from the other category but my apologies if there are duplicates.

A little bit about myself, I've got quite a few years operations management background going through different industries; have managed labor departments consisting of both skilled artisans such as carpenters and plumbers as well as day laborers. Even though you'd get the occasional bad egg, I've been able to develop and keep good crews.

Now the problem: for some reason I just can't hire a solid, senior level maintenance technician for a hub of several properties. They go through several rounds of interviews, references checked, we listen to those internal cues of something seems "off" and keep reviewing resumes. Expectations and requirements are clearly laid out But I swear to God I just can't seem to get a solid tech. They either end up having done a great snow job on all of us or they are constantly trying to renegotiate the job, suddenly deciding well I don't want to have to remember to close the pool. We have about 1800 apartments so it's not as if we are unaccustomed to the hiring process or to what is required for a maintenance technician . I have one that tried to negotiate the written warning I gave him. Told me he'd accept it if I included that we would agree to do such-and-such. I almost laughed at him but kept my composure.

And I'm not known for being a pushover. The problem is that it's been one after another ending up the same way.

So, all this being said, I'm open to hearing anything. Any insight. I don't care if it's remedial, something that sounds outlandish (but is legal), a trend you're seeing, whatever. All feedback will be appreciated.