How to Professionally Handle Resident Disputes at Your Sacramento Rental Property

One of the most common challenges landlords and property managers have when it comes to renting out multifamily properties is neighbor disputes and resident complaints. Whether it’s a duplex or an apartment building, you have people living together who have their own schedules and lifestyles. 

Some of the most common complaints we here from our residents in Sacramento rental properties are surrounding noise, the treatment of common areas, pets, and parking. 

Dealing with drama between residents doesn’t have to destroy your investment experience. But it can make things more complicated, and we have some tips to handle these things professionally and fairly.

Provide all Residents  a Strong and Detailed Lease 

When residents are arguing over loud music in the middle of the night, guests parking in reserved spaces, and pet messes on sidewalks and walkways, you’ll want to be able to manage those neighbor disputes with a detailed and consistent lease agreement. Your lease is your best opportunity to keep all of your residents following the same rules. 

Make sure all of your residents have signed a solid lease agreement that details all the rules and expectations of their tenancy. This creates a safe environment, where harassment and threats are not tolerated. The lease should stipulate the conditions of the property that create a comfortable and peaceful environment, where there is little noise or nuisance. 

Be specific. A requirement that “quiet hours” are respected is common in Sacramento lease agreements for multi-family properties. This could be between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., for example, where music and noise must be kept to a minimum.

Create a Policy for Dispute Resolution

It’s reasonable to expect your residents to solve their conflicts and problems on their own. They are, after all, adults. Sometimes, it’s simple. A resident making too much noise won’t realize how clearly neighbors can hear their television. A conversation between the two parties is a good place to start. 

If this doesn’t work, your residents will need instructions for how to file a complaint about neighboring residents . You should acknowledge their complaint so they know you’re taking their comfort and safety seriously.  It’s frustrating when one resident complains weekly about another residents barking dog, but your resident wants to be heard, so show that resident you respect their aggravation. If there’s nothing you can do about the problem, be honest about that and explain why your hands are tied. 

Document All Neighbor Disputes

Document everything. 

If the complaint from one tenant reflects a lease violation from the other tenant, you will need to make contact with the resident in question and ask them to come into compliance. Loud parties at 2:00 a.m. may violate the quiet clause in your lease, and a barking dog is a problem if the lease does not allow pets. Put the details and the timeline in writing so you can identify the lease violations that may be present. This will help if you have to evict. 

Resident Screening in Sacramento

The best way to deal with resident disputes is to avoid them. In a multifamily property, you’re always going to have personality clashes between neighbors. Noise and other complaints come with the territory. But, if you can limit the risk of disputes and disruptions, you’ll create a better rental experience for yourself and your residents. 

During the screening process, pay attention to resident history. Residents who move every year may have a history of causing problems at their buildings. Call landlord references. Do all the checking that you can within the guidelines of state and federal fair housing laws.