Inglewood Business Magazine Jan 2017

Turning Troubled Tenants continued...
in the beginning. Be firm in your approach from day one and you’ll see a world of difference. Don’t excuse a late check here and
there too quickly. Try not to bend the rules in one occasion or for one tenant because before you know it, you’ll be bending them
for everyone.
MAKE IT EASY TO PAY RENT
If the problem is the collection of rent, there are ways to streamline the process and avoid the awkward hunt. Options can include
ACH debit, where the tenant authorizes automatic withdrawals from their account on each rent payment day.
Or perhaps suggest online bill payment, where the tenant can add you to their list of recipients and pay you directly from their
bank account. Many banks now offer this service for free. Another option is collecting post-dated checks. Everyone can relax and
know rent is taken care of without the awkwardness of asking or forgetting.
KNOW YOUR AGREEMENTS
Your lease is a legally binding document. Hopefully, most issues should never escalate to the courts. But when you’re trying to get
your tenant to pay attention, refer to the terms in your lease. Leave your emotions out of it, maintain professionalism, and clearly
highlight what part of the agreement the tenant is breaking. Give a firm warning that you will defend any action taken as recourse
with the terms in the signed lease.
Not only does this send a clear message to your tenant that you are serious, but it also makes you less liable if things escalate. You
have chosen to stick to the formalities rather than fly off the handle, so there’s no ambiguity to argue about.
SET BOUNDARIES
When it comes to your time as a landlord or property owner, every minute is valuable. Especially if property management is not
your full-time job, having tenants who believe you are at their beck and call can make you want to pull out your hair every time
your phone rings.
28 Inglewood Business Magazine January - March 2017