Don’t let one bad apple spoil the barrel

Don’t let one bad apple spoil the barrel.  Make sure that you’re proactive on behalf of your ‘good’ tenants, if they find that you don’t have their best interest at heart they will begin to leave.  Whether the location is the high-rent district, a mobile home park, or a four-plex, the result will be the same.  Bad behavior is not driven by income level - it exists everywhere and unless you act, you will compromise your income stream by allowing the ‘bad apple’ to ruin the rest.  Sorry.  I got a bit carried away with the apple metaphor, but if you’ve been in the landlord business for a while - you definitely know what I’m talking about.  So, what can you do?  Does the bad behavior result in direct violation of the lease?  If so, begin the eviction process.   Is this behavior putting other tenants safety at risk?  Call the police.  File a complaint.  If this is a Section 8 tenant, contact their caseworker and have them explain the consequences of their behavior (their S8 voucher could be rescinded).  Note:  This is NOT the time to get to know the caseworker…knowing the caseworker is part of Section 8 due diligence…you’ll learn the process for reporting violations before they occur. Be resourceful, be responsive, and be legal…because it is your responsibility.