Topic: At what point do you all just refuse to renew someone?

We have a resident who is a huge pain in the you know what! She constantly complains about all her neighbors, even though we never find that they have done anything wrong except for normally using their apartment. She also makes complaints about guests at the pool ALL THE TIME even when there are no issues against our policy. Do you all ever have residents like this, where they don't technically break the rules, but they cause chaos in the community? Do you renew them??!!!

There is a lot to consider in this situation. What time of year is the lease up, what's current rent vs market, how is vacancy, and what damage can they cause to your reputation if they stay.

-If they are choosing to live at your community and are unhappy then they are going to share that with friend, family, co-workers , and possibly give their neighbors a reason to move. It will slowly erode your community's reputation.
-If you don't renew whats the cost of turning the apartment, who long will it take to re-rent, and what will the new rent be.
-You need to determine if this person is an actual problem or if it is just someone you don't like too and your not making them the problem.

After taking it all into account whats the best outcome? Will their one lease potentially cost you 2-3 leases in the future. Is there major damage in their apt and it will need a full rehab. Is there currently high vacancy and it's the slow season.

If it is in the best interest of the community don't renew them and don't feel bad about it.

I inherited tenants who complained about every thing. These were unreasonable complaints, too, like not being able to play their guitar and amp extremely loud, and not being able to get a puppy for their daughter when they signed a lease that restricted pets. They were also annoying the neighbors.

I let it go on for over a year because they were filthy and I was dreading the ensuing cleanup. The bottom line is that giving them
notice and getting rid of them was such a relief that my only regret was not doing it sooner. :-)

I would have a meeting with the residents and address the situation head on. I would tell them that it's obvious that they are not happy living in your community, and that being happy in their home environment is essential to a happy life. Suggest that since their lease is close to expiration, they start looking for an apartment home that better suits their needs, and you will work with them on a convenient vacate date.

If they say they do not want to move, then calmly explain how their behavior is a disturbance to your team and to their neighbors, and could be considered a violation of their lease agreement. Explain that you are happy to accept their complaints when they are realistic, but that the constant complaining about others without basis simply cannot continue, or they will be forcing you to ask them to leave. Do not renew the lease if you have a month to month option available, and let them know that you are offering them a "trial period" to see that they can improve their behavior. Hopefully, they will accept this attempt to work things out in a positive manner, and you and other residents will all breathe a sigh of relief. Good luck!

Excellent response!