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In yesterdays post I explained a major problem I had with two of my tenants.

I had allowed them in an apartment, along with their adorable but loud pooch, who was keeping all the other tenants and neighbors awake almost 24/7.

What was the reason for all the barking coming from a supposedly quiet non-barking dog?

Both tenants were emergency room nurses and they worked the night shift. That meant little Jack, the dog, was often left alone not only all night, but also for most of the daytime while they slept.

Why do people like this become pet owners in the first place?

Their story was touching. Little Jack was found wandering near the back entrance of the hospital on a very cold January day. He was starving and alone. They had to do something.

I convinced them they needed to do something else. Find another good home for him where he could get the emotional attention he so desperately needed. And my other tenants could get some sleep.

Heres how I did it.

1. Be honest, but with a little bluffing

I presented the problem to them. Then I told them what the consequences for the problem were. I explained that the other tenants and neighbors were complaining and something had to be done.

That dog was going, with or without them.

They could tear up the lease on the spot and remove everything totally within several days and I would give them their money back.

2. Never let them know youre scared and dont show fear.

I presented myself as confident. I didnt need the money. My meals would be on time no matter what they decided.

Of course, moving them out and having to replace them with even newer tenants was the last thing I wanted to see happen.

My point is never show them all your cards.

3. Do not lose your temper

I never raised my voice, but I did look them straight in the eye while I was scolding them. And yes, I didnt sugarcoat it.

They had not been totally forthwith with me and I reminded them of that. Not to mention they had also pushed a couple of my buttons.

But the conversation remained civilized even though it took three attempts in person and several phone calls for me to finally get them to the door. (They were asleep, mind you).

4. Never give a tenant an ultimatum unless you have read them correctly

Just like anything else, being a landlord an exercise in psychology.

This pair did not show any emotion. I could not get them riled. They were polite and lady-like through the entire ordeal.

But I was able to pick up their signals anyway. I was able to discover they did not want to move. This was vital information which would definitely work in my favor.

5. Eliminate the problem before it gets out of control

This is the most important point of all.

When a problem first surfaces with a tenant, it will be there from on unless you do something about it immediately. Thats strictly up to you, not your tenant.

In most cases, such problems will not ever end if you choose to ignore them. Thats the worst scenario.

Most of the time, if you handle your tenants fairly and with tact you can get such problems resolved fast and efficiently. Chances are you probably wont have any more trouble with them throughout the lease.

Thats because if they decide to stay they will now cooperate with your rules.

Alice Stevens is a landlord/real estate investor and the co-author of the free e-course Real People Making Real Money in Real Estate. Click Here>>> http://www.realestatewindfall.com

# posted by cgocbjeg : 6:53 AM