But on my lease agreement, I stated tenant is responsible for first $60 of all service calls…
Verbally, I tell them that for normal breakage/wear and tear items, I won’t hold them to it. But if there is any abuse/neglect, I will hold them accountable. That way it’s subjective based on my liking… I’m pretty fair about things so when it comes to things that really need attention, I don’t make then pay the $60.
I tell them that I’m giving you a below market rental rate, and that in return, please don’t pester me with really tiny stuff…Specifically, on my lease agreement, clogged drains are their responsibility, and on move out, I expect the drains to be clear, as was the condition when they moved in.
I think it’s a balancing act. You don’t want want to push it if there is a real problem (leaks) you expect the tenant to pay for the first $60, but you want to make it slightly inconvenient for them to report every little small thing.
On a SFH, people didn’t have issues with this. On a small condo, my tenant sort of balked at it. But the flipside to it is that in on a small condo, there isn’t that much that can break.
On thing I’m finding sort of helps is to point out when you are flexible…And that if the tenant plans on nitpicking everything, so will you…
For example, I had a tenant that when rent was due would pester me for everything. I guess he had a heartburn for writing that rent check…But then again, he was kinda interesting because he was late on payments a few times (1-2 days), and a few times he forgot to add postage on his rent check… One time, I got fed up with his pestering, and I told him.. Look, you’re late again, the previous 2 times I was flexible, but since we want to do everything by the book, I need you to fedex me your rent check to me by tomorrow, because on the 4th day, there is a 6% late charge (like any other creditor would charge)….
So after that, there is some unwritten “rule of engagement” now between me and tenant that if he is going to be really picky about things, so will I. I send my tenant a gentle reminder week before rent is due, so he won’t be late. Hopefully he gets the message not to pester me, otherwise I won’t remind him and I know at least one time he will forget… So far, we’re ok (fingers crossed)
