Dealing with a Tenant Threatening Harm Often Means Eviction

As landlords, we will inevitably find ourselves in sticky situations with problem tenants. Therefore, we need to be clear on how to prevent or resolve these occurrences. If a tenant threatens to harm another tenant, immediately warn the other tenants in the building and think about starting eviction proceedings with the problem tenant.

In most states, harm or the threat of harm by one tenant against another is grounds for a quick eviction. To protect tenants from a problem tenant, take the following steps with anyone who applies to live in your building:

• Perform thorough screenings on all potential tenants. Establish their living, work, credit and criminal history. If a potential tenant offers to pay all fees and rent payments in cash, it may be a signal he is involved in criminal activity. Use your judgment in this case—some good tenants may have reason to pay in cash, so look at their entire situation.
  
  
• Establish a system by which tenants can voice their complaints about potential problem tenants.
  
  
• Respond to all complaints immediately and let fellow tenants know you are concerned with their safety and well-being.
  
  
• Keep a record of all complaints made, as well as your actions in response to the complaints.
  
  
• Immediately investigate any trouble caused by a tenant, and depending on the severity of the problem, consider serving them a notice to vacate (also known as a Notice to Quit).

Remember, dealing with problems sooner rather than later will always save you greater headaches down the road.