There are numerous types of situations that property managers and property owners often deal with, and tenant harassment and bullying are among the most difficult matters to handle. It can be intriguing to overlook inadequate behavior by tenants towards others. Some property managers and property owners might prefer that residents handle disagreements and disputes between themselves. But, the professional property managers know that ignoring the issues is not the correct option. Also, the property managers have a duty to keep the tenants safe and comfortable. Even some government agencies like HUD require property owners to mediate issues between residents. Letting tenant bullying or harassment go unchecked may get a rental property landlord in legal trouble.
How to Handle Resident Harassment and Bullying
When a problem arises between tenants or among tenants and visitors, there are a few questions that property managers can ask to determine if or when they need to get involved. The questions can be:
- Does the behavior of the resident pose a risk or the probability of endangering another?
- What does the addendum or lease say about the behavior?
- Is there a policy against tenant harassment, discrimination, or bullying?
- Did the behavior or violation threaten the safety of another?
Professional property managers realize that they can’t ignore accusations that one tenant is bullying or harassing another. Accusations of bullying or harassment must be impartially investigated. If it becomes important for a property manager to get involved, then they must be prepared to present legitimate solutions to the issues. Some solutions may incorporate offering relocation options, permitting one or both tenants out of the leases without penalty, or giving information on mediation services.
If bullying or harassment is severe enough, then the property managers should lodge a complaint to local authorities. If the courts or police get involved, the property managers require to be prepared to provide alternatives that will acknowledge protection orders, change locks, and dissimilitude of the contract to remove the tenant convicted of domestic violence.
Final Words
Most of the property managers or owners will not have to deal with bullying and harassment among tenants very often. Holding a no-discrimination policy, records that cover bullying and harassment behavior, and be prepared to immediately handle circumstances if they arise, will assist to assure that the situation is handled accurately if it ever occurs.
To know more about resident harassing and bullying, attend the Compliance Prime webinar.
