How to ask tenants to clean up their mess
How to ask tenants to clean up their mess
Dealing with tenants who Making a mess of your home can be a tricky situation. Trash on the patio is one thing, but it’s another if there is mold in your property due to the tenant’s neglected lifestyle. Everyone has a different idea of what “cleanliness” is, so how can you ask your tenants that you would like them to maintain the property to your standards? Here are some tips for asking your tenants to put their affairs in order. Clean up tenant mess by professional cleaners and clearers. Please note that this is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Why is cleanliness important?
Technically , landlords shouldn't tell tenants how and when to clean, but if their cleanliness becomes a health hazard or could damage your home, that's a valid reason to do something about it.
Some tenants don't Don't see their disorder as a problem. After all, they're the ones who live there, so why does it matter? Unfortunately, their lifestyle leads to costly problems that could stem from their security deposit. If you need to confront your tenants about their cleanliness, here are some issues you can mention:
- Structural damage – Heavy, wet damage can leave stains, rot and Unsightly odors that can only be removed by professional cleaners. There could also be damage to support beams or other significant structures on the property, which could pose a safety risk.
- Infestations – Spaces Untidy living conditions can attract various pests,such as cockroaches, water bugs, flies, ants and rodents. In addition to being disgusting, they can pose a health hazard. Some of them can carry vector-borne diseases or affect allergies and asthma. If you have several dwellings on the property, they can also impact the quality of life of neighboring tenants. Pests can be difficult – and expensive – to eliminate.
- Hygiene – Good hygiene is an important topic, especially with the pandemic. Remind your tenant that you are responsible for ensuring that the property remains safe and clean for all tenants, including future residents.
When discussing cleanliness with the tenant, you can also take his age into account. Is this a young student? If so, it's common for young people to be a little messy when they start taking care of themselves. Try to put aside your frustration and instead view it as a positive teaching moment.
What types of cleanliness problems need to be addressed?
Clutter and trash here and there there are unsightly, but that may not be enough to bring them back to the tenant. Here are some more serious issues worth addressing:
- Pet feces
- Excessive trash
- Rodents, cockroaches or other pests
- Odeurs envahissantes ou désagréables
- Rotten food left out or piles of dishesdirty
- Sticky or strange substances left on surfaces
- Déchets ou encombrement qui bloquent les entrées ou les bouches d’aération
- Bulky junk
*If you think your tenant is a hoarder, you need to be careful how you approach the situation. SinceDiogenes syndrome is considered amental health disorder, legal and medical protections could be considered . French laws prohibit discrimination based on Diogenes syndrome orsyllogomania and require owners to make reasonable accommodations. If in doubt, consult a local councillor, social worker or family to find out the best way to proceed.
Keep communication open
Once you notice a cleanliness problem, it is important to talk about it. If you noticed the problem and left, it's understandable! It can be difficult to know what to say at the moment. Contact your tenant and let them know in a professional and friendly manner that you have concerns regarding possible health and safety violations.
Be sure to understand and consider any limitations that the tenant may have in their life, such as long working hours, family or mobility problems. You should also double-check your lease to ensure that you have included a clause stating that the tenant expects to maintain the cleanliness of the unit for health and safety reasons. If your lease contains such a clause, be sure to bring it up during the conversation.
Tenants want to feel that you care about them, so be sure to let them know that their health and safety safety are important to you. You can say something like: “It is important to me that housing is safe for everyone, and it is my responsibility to ensure that. I am concerned that the current condition of the housing may cause health and safety issues due to [mold, pests or other problems].
This is always a good idea document when you you spoke and what was discussed. You may also consider sending a follow-up email regarding your conversation. This serves two purposes: it reinforces what was discussed and provides you with additional documentation.
In some cases, being firm on the issue of cleanliness will not be enough to get the tenant to change their habits. If you've already had a discussion and sent a follow-up email with no sign of progress, it may be time to send the tenant a formal notice. Check with your legal advisors to determine the specific language you need to include and to make sure you are doing everything legally.
Is cleaning up tenant mess tax deductible?
All our services of clearing, sorting, tidying and cleaning istax deductible.
