As a landlord, you know it’s not all the time you will have good tenants to work with. There are times when you will be faced with challenging tenants no matter how thorough your screening process is. It may be dreadful to deal with tenants like this, but an effective way to deal is to ensure proper and effective communication. Here are ways you can communicate better with challenging tenants:

Set Clear Ground Rules 

An effective way to deal with challenging tenants is to have clear ground rules and make them understand those rules. Outline your property standards and make sure your tenants understand them well. By doing so, there will be fewer chances for them to break the policies because they didn’t understand them. 

Additionally, you need to be consistent with the rule enforcement and make sure you have penalties for each breach of contract. You need to show your tenants you’re serious about the consequences of inappropriate actions. ‍

Take Advantage of Technology

Your tenants should be able to reach you easily. That’s why you need to establish communication lines better, and a great way to do this is by using technology. Have your email, social media accounts, websites, etc. ready where tenants can contact you easily should they have any concerns. 

Consider creating a suggestions/complaints form on your site as well and check it regularly. This is an effective way to communicate with your tenants, especially the challenging ones. 

Practice Patience

Being a landlord isn’t easy, and there are going to be times when you will come close to losing it when dealing with problematic tenants. However, it’s crucial you practice patience at all times. Handling challenging situations that involve your tenants professionally is important, which means you shouldn’t approach situations with hostility or tension. 

Remember, people will respond better to civility. Explain what they have done wrong and when you need them to fix the issue. If you have given several warnings and still have no success, this is the time you hand out an eviction notice. ‍

Have Deadlines

Property tenants respond well to times and deadlines, which is why you need to set clear deadlines and stick to them. For example, if the rent should be made on a specific date each month, make that clear to your tenants. Once the rent is late, take action. 

You should also set deadlines for yourself, such as acting on concerns, requests, and questions. By doing so, you are showing your tenants that you are willing to solve their problems. ‍

Establish Good Relationships‍

Despite difficult tenants, it is your job to establish a good relationship with them. There should be mutual respect between you and your tenants, and they should be aware of what to expect while they are on your property. 

It is up to the landlords to treat their tenants with decency. Avoid getting into their private lives unless they are engaging in physical activities or causing disruptions in the area.

‍Work With Challenging Tenants Better

‍Indeed, dealing with challenging tenants can be difficult, but it’s possible. Use these tips to help you handle issues professionally. On the other hand, you can always hire professionals to manage your property and deal with your tenants.

Fahel & Co is a reputable property management company in Ottawa. Our professionals are experienced in dealing with challenging tenants. Let us take care of that for you. Contact us today!