I rent out a house to 2 tenants. The upstairs tenants are complaining that the downstairs tenants plays her music too loud. How do I handle this? Is there a letter availabcle to sent about petty issues.

Hello jdadd:

You didn’t think being a landlord was just about collecting the rent, did you? Welcome to the landlord business.

By the way, if you want to keep your tenant, I wouldn’t view her complaint as petty. WHAT she’s complaining about, may be petty. But the fact that she’s not happy shouldn’t be petty to you because it can cost you lots of money.

If I knew about a magic letter that you could send to both of them, that would allow you to keep living in landlord bliss, I’d tell you about it. As a matter of fact, if you were having legal problems with either of them, I’d tell you exactly what letter to write. But, how to get them to live together in harmony is something way, way beyond my expertise.

excon

Is it possible to speak to her in person? Much better method for guaging the reception and she'll also get the impression you mean business -- a very important element in behavior management. I would not leave without a clear verbal agreement from her that included her demonstrating an understanding of what is considered loud. I would also see the complaining tenant to assure her action was taken. I would document all conversations in a record somewhere for possible reference later. May seem like a lot but if there is one thing the world has taught me is-- that the fight I am prepared for I often don't have and the one I am not prepared for, I get! LOL Letters can come later, if necessary-- sent certified mail of course.

You should have in your possession a set of renting rules for your tenants. Mail a copy to both tenants and have the complaining tenant submit her complaints in writing. Your tenant may have valid complaint for the violation of covenant of quiet enjoyment, but the complaining tenant may also be one of those people that are not surited for apartment living and will complain about just about anything. I would not take sides on this one until I could verify that the upstairs tenant has a valid reason for being upset. If you determine that the downstairs tenant is actually playing his music too loud during evening hours, and refuses to curb his behavior, then start documenting and find a reason to evict.