How to deal with bad tenants in Kanawha County

by Morgan Lee | Oct 7, 2022 | Blog

At the end of the day, a landlord and their tenants are partners. Upon signing the lease, they enter a relationship that is built on mutual understanding and respect. One provides shelter and safety while the other is expected to uphold agreements and pay their dues.

But what happens when one end of the relationship fails to uphold the agreements? Not all partnerships are perfect after all. West Virginia is not exempt from having bad tenants, which means that Kanawha County landlords need to be vigilant and prepared.

Before you give up on your rental and decide to sell your Kanawha County house fast, consider these tips on dealing with bad tenants:

What are the common kinds of bad tenants and how can you spot them?

In order to come up with solutions, you need to first identify the problem. From there, you can then devise a specific plan of action that’s tailored to your situation. So, what are the usual violations that bad Kanawha County tenants make? Here is a quick rundown:

Destruction of property and illegal activities

This is the violationt that usually gets Kanawha County landlords wanting to sell their house fast. Tenants that have no respect for the property cost the most. Oftentimes, these tenants are the ones who partake in drugs and commit crimes as well.

Late or no payments

These tenants often forget that landlords have bills and mortgages to pay as well. What makes this violation worse is that some tenants fail to notify or update their Kanawha County landlords regarding the delay.

Extended guests

And while tenants are legally entitled to have guests, some push this privilege and allow guests to stay for months. Some would even sublet the property without proper permission.

Demanding complaints

These tenants don’t often violate agreements; however, they can make the job exhausting. And although it is the landlord’s responsibility to provide a habitable residence, they are not full-time employees who can make the impossible possible.

What are some tips on dealing with bad Kanawha County tenants?

The relationship that tenants and landlords enter is ultimately a legal partnership. This is the key to protecting yourself from bad tenants. Here are some of the things that you can do to ensure the protection of your agreement and property:

Compose an extensive and detailed lease

Put it all on paper. Your lease is the legal representation of your agreements, so make sure you have all bases covered. A good lease would set clear maintenance expectations and procedures for late payments. This would also be an effective way to establish the scope of your responsibilities. Give yourself the extra protection as well by letting your lawyer review the document.

Hold routine inspections

At least twice a year, pay your tenant a visit and inspect the property. This is a good way to keep them alert and mindful of maintenance. Moreover, this also prevents them from subletting or conducting any illegal activities. The regular visits could also be used as a way to remind them of their payments and even build camaraderie.

What are my roles and responsibilities as a Kanawha County landlord?

Being a landlord does not exempt you from your own set of roles and responsibilities. The landlord-tenant relationship is still a two-way street. Landlords are legally bound by West Virginia’s Warrant of Habitability, which makes it your duty to provide a habitable environment and uphold a minimum standard of living for your tenants. Here are some of the violations that you need to watch out for:

No running water
No electricity
No smoke alarms
Lack of insulation or heating during cold seasons
Hazardous bathrooms

Sell to a Professional Home Buyer!

If maintaining your rental and dealing with bad tenants have become too draining, reach out to 3 Oh 4 Investments, LLC! We buy Kanawha County houses with money straight from our pockets. This allows us to close within two weeks while still giving you the best possible offer on your home.

With 3 Oh 4 Investments, LLC, you don’t have to worry about those pesky tenants anymore! Sell your Kanawha County fast by giving us a call at (304) 314-4341.