Own a rental property in Miami?
Handling and resolve tenant conflicts is part of the job. You will experience disputes with tenants directly, and have to mediate problems between tenants in any multi-family property. Neighbor arguments and fights are stressful for all parties. Resolving the issue right away so it doesn’t escalate is best practice.
Confrontation is not favored by most people, so a quick solution is often welcomed. Is our latest post, we share our best tips for resolving tenant conflict so both you and your tenants can live peacefully. Learn how to manage tenant conflict in Miami below!
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Plan Ahead
Tenant conflict in Miami is inevitable, so plan ahead or them. Outline your tenant conflict resolution processes in the rental agreement or lease. Are there warnings issued? What financial penalties will be involved? At what point will eviction come in to play? The lease should also be as detailed as possible, so tenants expectations are clear. What is the pet policy? Parking? Who is responsible for maintaining the yard? In addition, discuss how quickly you make repairs and how often issues like pest control will be taken care of. Black and white documentation leaves little room for disagreements.
Know Miami Landlord & Tenant Law
Make sure you fully understand landlord-tenant laws. You need to fully grasp these laws so you don’t find yourself in the wrong during a disagreement. Landlord-tenant laws vary state to state, but they will typically govern deposits, landlord access, and the duties and responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant. As long as you are abiding by the law 100%, you will not find yourself on the wrong side of a dispute.
Learn about the rights and duties of landlords and tenants on the Florida Bar’s website. According to the top legal organization in the Sunshine State:
The landlord is required to rent a dwelling that is fit to be lived in. It must have working plumbing, hot water and heating, be structurally sound and have reasonable security, including working and locking doors and windows, and it must be free of pests. The landlord also must comply with local health, building and safety codes. If the landlord has to make repairs to make the dwelling fit to live in, the landlord must pay.
As to the tenants obligations, the Bar explains:
A tenant also has responsibilities that, if not observed, can lead to eviction. The tenant must pay the agreed-upon rent and do so on time. The tenant must comply with building, housing and health codes. The tenant must maintain the dwelling without damage, other than ordinary wear and tear, keep the dwelling clean and maintain the plumbing. The tenant must not violate the law or disturb the peace, nor allow guests to do so.
Professional Conduct
During all conflicts, you should keep your cool and remain professional. People can get very upset if there is an issue with the property or with another tenant. You have to remember, even though you own the property, it is also the place they call home. Listen to the complaint, and if it has validity, do what you can to resolve it in a timely manner. If the conflict is between two tenants, make sure you get both sides of the story. Everybody’s voice needs to be heard. If possible, have all parties meet face-to-face to peacefully air grievances and resolve the issue. Don’t take a side, rather meditate and hear what everyone has to say. Once you know the whole story, you will have a better idea of how to handle the situation.
According to Landlordology, the 10 most important records to keep are: move-in checklist, application, emergency contact, lease and addendums, mortgage and improvement paperwork, utilities statements, lease renewal letters, move-out letters, and a move-out checklist.
Record Everything
Write down each time there is communication between you and a tenant. Note the time, date and what was discussed. If warnings are issued, make sure you have dated copies. If applicable, send warning notices via certified mail to document that it has been received. Keep track of text, phone calls and attempted calls. Make sure you are following all of the proper procedures that meet the legal requirements where you live.
According to Landlordology, the 10 most important records to keep are: move-in checklist, application, emergency contact, lease and addendums, mortgage and improvement paperwork, utilities statements, lease renewal letters, move-out letters, and a move-out checklist.
Eviction As the Worst Case Scenario
Miami-Dade County evictions are nightmare. Not just for the tenant, but many times for the landlord as well. It is tedious, costly and time-consuming. We highly suggest using the eviction process as your “worst case scenario” option. Most of the time, conflicts can be resolved peacefully. Work to be understanding of your tenant’s needs, and keep the property in the condition you would want to live in. If the conflict is between two people, help them try to see each other’s side and find some common ground. Most people who would be considered “bad tenants” should have been screened out from the beginning. Hopefully, you will be able to manage all tenant conflicts without resorting to eviction.
Unfortunately, many tenant disputes cannot be resolved. One option, instead of filing for eviction, is to sell a house with a tenant. You can sell a property in Miami to House Heroes LLC. We are Florida’s #1 Cash Buyer. We buy houses in any condition, situation, or price range.
We Buy Houses (With Tenants!)
Call Us (954) 676-1846 Send Text Send Text Send Text or Fill Out This Form For Your FAIR Offer.
