Do you have a tenant who takes you around in circles every time rent is due? Or perhaps you're dealing with a tenant who consistently violates your noise rules and you can't seem to get them to stop.
What's lacking in your property management toolbox is an effective lease enforcement strategy. From day one of tenancy, your tenant is bound to adhere to the terms and conditions of the lease agreement they signed. However, don't sit back hoping that the tenant will follow the rules all the time.
You have a duty to enforce the lease. Continue reading to learn how to go about it.
Create Detailed Lease Agreements
Picture this:
You notice that your tenant is living with a large dog. Fearing the damage it could cause, you notify the tenant that they're not supposed to keep such pets. But instead of getting rid of the dog, they inform you that there's nowhere on their lease agreement it says they can't keep certain breeds of dogs.
You can prevent such cases by creating a detailed lease that covers all the bases.
Don't be like those landlords who download generic rental lease forms from the internet and only make minor edits. Hire a landlord attorney to help you draw a water-tight agreement that protects your investment and doesn't violate tenant rights.
Conduct Routine Inspections
You'll often learn about a lease violation when a tenant's neighbors make a complaint. However, not all violations will result in the disturbance of other people. This means you have to conduct routine rental property inspections. Check for:
- Broken doors and windows
- Broken light fixtures
- Gaping holes in floors and walls
- Unapproved tenants
- Signs of water damage
- Unpermitted pets
If you find a violation, document it, and take photos and videos if possible, all while ensuring you're not violating the tenant's privacy rights. The evidence will come in handy during the enforcement process.
Take Prompt Action After a Lease Violation
Although some lease violations have more severe consequences than others, all of them call for prompt action. Don't turn a blind eye to a minor violation because you think it will waste your time. Seeing no action from the landlord, the tenant could become a habitual rule breaker.
As such, send lease violation notices promptly. Indicate the nature of the violation and point out the clause in the lease agreement that has been violated.
If the tenant is supposed to take a certain corrective action, such as getting rid of a prohibited pet, indicate the timeframe by which they need to act, and the consequences that would ensue if they don't do so.
How Property Management Pros Can Help With Lease Enforcement
Lease enforcement is a full-time job. It helps a great deal if you have awesome tenants, but never bank on that. If you're starved for time or would like to let another person handle the task, hire a rental property management company.
In Reno, Dickson Realty is ready to step in and enforce your leases, as well as provide other property management services you might need, including rent collection and property maintenance. Since 1998, our dedication to providing excellent service to our clients has been unwavering.
Contact us for more information about our services.
