How to take safety precautions to protect yourself and your property in case you reach a Landlord – Tenant argument or misunderstanding.
Landlord Safety Precautions
- Don’t give out your home address.
- Encourage that your tenants pay via direct deposit or online payment.
- Use a P.O. Box for tenants to mail rent payments
- Get a separate secondary phone number for your tenants to call. Magic Jack or Google Voice number are good possibilities. It prevents your tenants from constantly calling your personal number with complaints or threats.
- An angry tenant might pose a threat to damage your property. always be calm and stay on a professional level.
- Screen Your Renters. Tenant screening goes beyond reviewing a tenant’s credit report and criminal background Get references to find out if the applicant has a history with aggression. Try to search online for the phone number and call to make sure that the reference is real.
- When you own a Property and want to avoid a Landlord / Tenant Relationship, choose a Property Management that will do all the work for you. Our team at the Ziegel Group manages local properties with pride and professionalism.
If you receive threatening messages or phone calls from a tenant, here are some ways to manage it professionally.
What To Do When Your Tenants Threaten You
- Do not threaten back. Always respond professionally.
- Call the Police if you feel threatened or in immediate danger. Having records will help you if you need to go to court.
- Ask a witness to be with you during interactions with your tenants.
- Tell the tenant that all communication must be done in writing.
- Save all of the texts, emails, and voicemails. You might need them in court someday.
Remember your tenant may have legitimate claims. Check your state and local laws before you reply to a tenant demand.