Managing Unruly Tenants

Jackie A • May 16, 2022

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Most tenants in San Diego are good people. They obey the rules and do their fair share of work to maintain the property. They can be counted on to play by the rules. It is too bad, but some people believe that the rules are made for everybody but them. They also have incredibly annoying habits.


Their behavior goes from irritating to troubling as they get closer to breaking the law. This can include building code rules, acceptable noise levels, and parking laws. The worst that can happen is that a bad tenant will create building code violations that may end up with the landlord paying fines. A landlord in San Diego must deal with such people, but it takes a little finesse and diplomacy to be successful.


Proceed Carefully!


Even though the tenant behaved like a bull in a China shop, the property owner does not have that luxury. Discrimination charges can be filed against a deliberately unreasonable landlord. These are some suggestions on how to handle an unruly tenant.


1. Always remain calm. You can expect a bad tenant to be verbally abusive or argue. Do not take anything personally when you are dealing with such an individual.


2. Check on the living arrangements. There are some frightening stories about tenants who sublet the property and are not bothered to tell the landlord. Any property owner not paying occasional visits may be in for a rude surprise. Some residents will go as far as to have many people living in the apartment and charge each one separate rent. Occasional visits to the rental can minimize this problem.


3. Enforce the lease. The rental lease contains clauses that specify what a tenant is allowed to do and what they may not do. Landlords in San Diego should never hesitate to enforce a legitimate lease. A good idea is to remind the tenant of the lease restrictions at the first offense.


4. Be strict about noise. Loud parties or high-volume music will draw complaints from the neighbors. Be sure that tenants understand they cannot be overly noisy. In addition, let them know of the neighborhood’s prevailing safety and parking restrictions.


5. Be sure you are following eviction laws. In California, there is a process that will allow a property owner to evict an unruly tenant. A landlord must carefully follow that entire process. It will mean gathering evidence, attending meetings, and serving notices. These may be tedious activities, but these are essential parts of removing a bad tenant from the premises.


Do not Hesitate to Use a Property Management Company.


Landlords are terribly busy, and they do not always have the time to develop relationships and ongoing communication with tenants. This is especially true if there is a sizable real estate portfolio. Property management companies in San Diego are experts in dealing with bad residents. They can solve problems quickly and within the rules. Alta Vista Properties has been working with tenants for years. We know how to handle the bad apples.


We are a property management company in San Diego with considerable experience dealing with people. We develop relationships that prevent unruly ones. We also use a lot of diplomacy in working with those who want to live outside of the rules. If we must evict somebody, we follow the procedure carefully. We will alert tenants to our coming to pay a visit beforehand and arrange for a mutually convenient time, but we will follow the lease to the letter with them.


Please do inquire at any time about our property management services. You can reach us at 858-274-3600 or by email at info@altavistaProperties.net. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions.




Tenants in San Diego in San Diego; property management companies in San Diego; property management company in San Diego; property owner in San Diego; landlords in San Diego. Landlord in San Diego


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