10 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Tenants in Managed Properties

We believe there’s one golden rule when dealing with your tenants – take care of them! Happy tenants are less likely to skip rent payments, damage the apartment, cause trouble in creative ways, or simply avoid renewing the lease.

Let’s face it – tenant turnover is expensive. That means if you’ve got good tenants, you’ll want to keep them. How? All the answers below.

1. Write a clear, unambiguous, and comprehensive lease

Most disputes arise when landlords and tenants have different ideas about their responsibilities. In addition to rent and utilities, the lease should specify who is responsible for what maintenance and repairs. This is especially important if your property has a yard. Many landlords mistakenly assume tenants will maintain a nice garden (which naturally increases property value), so they don’t bother stating that yard maintenance is part of the lease.

2. Stay friendly, but professional

You want responsible tenants – ones who don’t bother you too much or constantly ask for concessions at your expense.

3. Answer the phone/email

Few things frustrate tenants more than not being able to get a quick response when something goes wrong. That’s exactly why you should choose a property management company – they make sure someone is available to handle problems as they arise. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to call tenants back and be available to resolve issues immediately. Waiting until it’s convenient for you won’t help tenants who need answers now.

4. Don’t delay periodic maintenance

Whether it’s cleaning gutters, checking plumbing, or replacing air filters, don’t wait for a crisis. Prevent problems in advance with routine maintenance.

5. Reward long-term tenants

Maintenance also means benefits for loyal tenants. If you’ve secured long-term renters, don’t be stingy. Why not offer a free carpet cleaning or repainting every few years?

6. Deal with problem tenants quickly

Renting out a multi-unit property? Few things upset good tenants more than a neighbor who disrupts their peace. Handle such issues immediately and don’t renew the lease of the problematic tenant.

7. Respect your tenants’ privacy

Do you value your privacy? So do your tenants. They (rightfully) don’t want you entering the property without notice. In fact, they prefer to pretend you don’t exist—unless there’s a problem. If you need access to your property (and you will occasionally), give proper notice and try to minimize it. For example, don’t visit your property more than two or three times a year.

8. Don’t be too greedy

You may see no reason not to raise the rent each year (as allowed by market conditions and law), but your tenants might feel otherwise. If you want to keep your tenants, consider charging slightly below market rate.

9. Offer referral incentives

If you have vacant units in your building, reward tenants who refer their friends as new renters. This won’t just help fill empty apartments but will also encourage long-term loyalty among your tenants.

10. Show tenants that you value them

A holiday card and a bottle of wine aren’t just a kind gesture in the Czech Republic – they’re also a small investment with a huge return in tenant retention. It’s definitely worth a try!

Need property management services in Prague or throughout the Czech Republic? Contact us – we’d be happy to help!