Landlord Education: How to Solve Common Complaints from Los Angeles Tenants in Multifamily Rentals
One of the most common challenges when renting out multifamily properties is tenant disputes and complaints. Whether it’s a duplex or an apartment building, you have people living together who have their own schedules and lifestyles. Some of the most common complaints we hear from our tenants in Los Angeles rental properties are surrounding noise, the treatment of common areas, pets, and parking.
Dealing with drama between tenants doesn’t have to ruin your investment experience.
Put Together a Strong and Detailed Lease
When tenants are arguing over loud music in the middle of the night, guests parking in reserved spaces, and pet messes on sidewalks and walkways, you’ll want to be able to direct all parties to a detailed and consistent lease agreement. Your lease is your best opportunity to keep all of your tenants following the same rules.
Make sure all of your residents have signed a solid lease agreement that details all the rules and expectations of their tenancy. This creates a safe environment, where harassment and threats are not tolerated. The lease should stipulate the conditions of the property that create a comfortable and peaceful environment, where there is little noise or nuisance.
Be specific. A requirement that “quiet hours” are respected is common in Los Angeles lease agreements for multi-family properties. This could be between 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., for example, where music and noise must be kept to a minimum.
Create a Policy for Dispute Resolution
Ask your tenants to solve their conflicts and problems on their own. Sometimes, a tenant making too much noise won’t realize how clearly neighbors can hear their television. A simple conversation is a good place to start.
If this doesn’t work, your residents will need instructions for how to file a complaint about neighboring tenants. You should acknowledge their complaint so they know you’re taking their comfort and safety seriously. It’s frustrating when one tenant complains weekly about another tenant’s barking dog, but your tenant wants to be heard, so show that tenant you respect their aggravation. If there’s nothing you can do about the problem, be honest about that and explain why your hands are tied.
Document everything. If the complaint from one tenant reflects a lease violation from the other tenant, you will need to make contact with the tenant in question and ask them to come into compliance. Loud parties at 2:00 a.m. may violate the quiet clause in your lease, and a barking dog is a problem if the lease does not allow pets. Put the details and the timeline in writing so you can identify the lease violations that may be present. This will help if you have to evict.
Tenant Screening in Los Angeles
The best way to deal with tenant disputes is to avoid them. In a multifamily property, you’re always going to have personality clashes between neighbors. Noise and other complaints come with the territory. But, if you can limit the risk of disputes and disruptions, you’ll create a better rental experience for yourself and your residents.
During the screening process, pay attention to tenant history. Tenants who move every year may have a history of causing problems at their buildings. Call landlord references. Do all the checking that you can within the guidelines of state and federal fair housing laws.
We understand the frustrations of both landlords and tenants when there are disputes and complaints. If you’d like some help with this or anything pertaining to Los Angeles property management, please contact us at MGMT Group, Inc.