Bad online reviews and word-of-mouth can kill a landlord’s reputation, especially in Los Angeles. Often, the courts favor tenants in disputes, so if you own a rental property, you might be bending over backward to keep them happy. But if you recognize any of these signs that your tenants are taking advantage of you, it might be best to wait out the lease and move on.
The Rent’s Late Again
It happens, especially in unpredictable times. People lose their jobs, have emergencies, or miscalculate finances. But if it’s an issue every month, your tenant needs to be transparent with you about what’s going on. If they need the rent’s due date changed, you can update the lease. If they need a rent reduction, you can discuss it. But if your tenant is avoiding payment and also avoiding you, you should address it.
Repairs Are Constant
When things break down, tenants deserve the benefit of the doubt. The appliances might be old and need replacing, for instance. But if you suspect that not all the problems are out of their control, pay attention. Are there unexplained holes in the walls? Doors off the hinges or repeated plumbing backups? Since it’s not their property, they’re likely being way too rough on yours.
Guests Don’t Leave
Los Angeles has a lot of people coming and going, so it’s not uncommon for tenants to have friends “crash” on their couch for a few days. But if you notice someone becoming a permanent fixture, say something. If someone else has moved in, you should update the lease—and the rent.
Interiors Have Changed
California attracts a lot of artists and interesting characters, for better or worse. Sometimes they express themselves through their décor. If that purple psychedelic wallpaper is cool with you, great. But if you didn’t approve the installation of a stripper pole or tile ceiling mural, those will cost money to remove. They’ve violated their lease and defaulted at least a portion of their deposit, and they should know before they make any more drastic “improvements.”
They might be charming, and they might be good at explaining things away. But if a pattern is emerging of tenants pushing the limits of the lease, it’s a sign of trouble ahead. Watch out for signs that your tenants are taking advantage of you, and take action to protect yourself and your property.
