Ways to Not Piss a Tenant

“Dani, I have a leasing question and I’m curious about your thoughts. I have a unit where the tenant is on a month to month lease now (starting this month). Property manager would like to vacate the tenant in May to secure a long term tenant during peak season. This tenant has been late several times. So property manager would like to secure a new long term tenant during peak season.

I’m ok with this strategy. But do you think providing a notice to vacate might piss off the tenant and they trash the place in the way out?”

Response: 

As for the risk of the tenant leaving the property, there’s always a chance—but there are several ways to reduce that risk. The best approach is to give your property manager clear instructions on how you’d like the situation handled.

• First, check with your insurance agent to confirm you’re covered for vandalism. Most policies include it, but it’s worth double-checking—and ask to see the specific wording in your policy.

• Ask your property manager to talk to the tenant and understand their intentions. There may be a respectful way to navigate the situation.

• My general approach is to “kill with kindness” and try to handle things in a calm, friendly manner.

Here are a few ways you can handle it:

1. Move the tenant to a longer-term lease.

2. Increase their late fee.

3. Raise the rent slightly to reflect the risk of them leaving during winter.

4. Have the PM ask about their plans—this can help you better understand their situation and respond accordingly.

5. Offer a month-to-month lease with a 60-day notice (instead of 30), and make sure the lease allows you to show the property while they’re still living there.