If you’re a landlord, the likelihood is that there will be a time when you have to deal with a bad tenant. There are situations that might be avoidable, though, especially if you take the time to call references, do background checks and enter the property with notice at least every few months.
One of the most common problems that landlords face is when the tenants refuse to make payments on rent. They can withhold rent legally for some reasons, but if there are no maintenance issues and the property is safe, the reality is that they should be paying on time. Communication is important if a tenant is late on their rent. It’s important to talk to them about why they’re late and what you can do to help. If the tenant is struggling with bills, for example, you might be able to offer them an extension for this month.
What do you do if your tenant can’t afford rent anymore?
It depends on the situation. If this is a long-term tenant with a history of paying on time, you might consider lowering rent a little to help, raising it again once they’re back on firm financial footing. However, if this is a new tenant or one you’d rather see leave the property, see if you can get them to leave voluntarily. Otherwise, you may have to go through the eviction process, which can take up a lot of time. In the end, it’s better to try to find a resolution, even if it means having to find a new tenant.
