How to Deal with Problem Tenants in Austin

Handling difficult Austin tenants can be awkward and unfamiliar territory for Austin landlords, especially if they are new to property letting or only let one property. Use this guide to help you manage the landlord-tenant relationship effectively and develop techniques to deal with problems as they arise.

Be professional

An important general rule for all dealings with your Austin tenant is to be consistently courteous and professional – even if they don't behave the same way. Remember, this is your business and you need to you treat it as such.

Be aware

Visit your rental property occasionally to keep abreast of any maintenance or neighbor-related issues as they arise. Consider creating a maintenance schedule at the beginning of the lease. Remember, if you plan to enter the property you are required to give reasonable notice to your tenant before doing so – usually 24 hours.
Talk to the neighbors to gauge your tenant's conduct. Are they having loud parties every night? Are they continually disturbing the neighbors, and have the police ever been called? Don't assume that everything is fine – be proactive and stay informed.

Keep accurate records

Keep a detailed account of any legal or financial transactions with your Austin tenant, as well as formal and informal correspondence. It's important to have a paper trail of any maintenance issues you've dealt with, as well as warnings or requests you've issued, so that you can refer to them should the need arise in future. Keep copies of all emails or letters to and from your tenant, and write down the dates and details of any telephone conversations you have.

Maintain good relations

Try to cultivate a relationship of mutual respect from the beginning. If and when repairs on the property are needed, listen to your tenant, respond quickly and fix the problem properly the first time. Delays that seem unnecessary, as well as recurring plumbing or electrical issues, will only breed resentment and distrust.

Get the right insurance

Protect yourself – and your wallet – by ensuring you take out the right policy when you insure your investment property. Key things to think about include buildings insurance, contents insurance, emergency assistance and accidental damage.

Minimize the possibility for damage

Consider the living environment you've created in your Austin rental property. You can minimize the possibility of damage by using hard-wearing, durable materials including washable eggshell paint, stain-protected carpet in a dark color or pattern, good quality vinyl or ceramic tiles and multiple smoke detectors.