{"id":4249,"date":"2023-11-10T21:46:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-10T16:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/?p=4249"},"modified":"2024-03-22T16:46:52","modified_gmt":"2024-03-22T11:16:52","slug":"how-to-differentiate-between-a-chronic-complainer-and-genuine-complaints","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2023\/11\/10\/how-to-differentiate-between-a-chronic-complainer-and-genuine-complaints\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Differentiate Between a Chronic Complainer and Genuine Complaints?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As an affordable housing manager, the role involves ensuring that our residents have a comfortable and safe place to call home. Part of this responsibility means addressing complaints and concerns from our residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:20px;font-size:28px;font-weight:bold;\">Related Webinars<\/div><div style=\"width:100%;height:auto;overflow:hidden;overflow-x:auto;margin:20px 0;\"><div style=\"width:calc(3 * 260px);\"><div style=\"width:250px;height:350px;background-color:#D2E0FF;background:url(https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/assets\/images\/wdt-back.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;border-radius:10px;margin-right:10px;float:left;text-align:center;padding:25px 10px 0 10px;cursor:pointer;\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1797\/implementing-vawa-2026?utm_source=cp_blog'\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width:135px;height:135px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #2B58B5;padding:3px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/image.php?src=https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/uploads\/img_upload\/1730478027_848f6772f5d6bdceb000.jpeg&w=200&h=200&zc=1&s=1\" alt=\"Speaker\"><div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:5px;font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;line-height:22px;max-height:65px;overflow:hidden;\">Implementing VAWA on Site (2026 Updates & New HUD Forms)<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><div style=\"margin:10px auto 0 auto;display:inline-block;\"><div style=\"width:20px;float:left;\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" id=\"IconChangeColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\"><path d=\"M160 32V64H288V32C288 14.33 302.3 0 320 0C337.7 0 352 14.33 352 32V64H400C426.5 64 448 85.49 448 112V160H0V112C0 85.49 21.49 64 48 64H96V32C96 14.33 110.3 0 128 0C145.7 0 160 14.33 160 32zM0 192H448V464C448 490.5 426.5 512 400 512H48C21.49 512 0 490.5 0 464V192zM64 304C64 312.8 71.16 320 80 320H112C120.8 320 128 312.8 128 304V272C128 263.2 120.8 256 112 256H80C71.16 256 64 263.2 64 272V304zM192 304C192 312.8 199.2 320 208 320H240C248.8 320 256 312.8 256 304V272C256 263.2 248.8 256 240 256H208C199.2 256 192 263.2 192 272V304zM336 256C327.2 256 320 263.2 320 272V304C320 312.8 327.2 320 336 320H368C376.8 320 384 312.8 384 304V272C384 263.2 376.8 256 368 256H336zM64 432C64 440.8 71.16 448 80 448H112C120.8 448 128 440.8 128 432V400C128 391.2 120.8 384 112 384H80C71.16 384 64 391.2 64 400V432zM208 384C199.2 384 192 391.2 192 400V432C192 440.8 199.2 448 208 448H240C248.8 448 256 440.8 256 432V400C256 391.2 248.8 384 240 384H208zM320 432C320 440.8 327.2 448 336 448H368C376.8 448 384 440.8 384 432V400C384 391.2 376.8 384 368 384H336C327.2 384 320 391.2 320 400V432z\" id=\"mainIconPathAttribute\" stroke-width=\"1\" stroke=\"#ff0000\" filter=\"url(#shadow)\" fill=\"#FB0351\"><\/path><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"float:left;margin-left:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;color:#FB0351;\">May 27th 2026 @ 12:00 PM ET<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#2B58B5;margin-top:-10px;\"><strong>Speaker: <\/strong>Gwen Volk<\/div><div style=\"width:120px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:#FB0351;border:2px solid #FB0351;border-radius:30px;padding:1px 5px;margin:10px auto;\">Learn More<\/div><\/div><div style=\"width:250px;height:350px;background-color:#D2E0FF;background:url(https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/assets\/images\/wdt-back.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;border-radius:10px;margin-right:10px;float:left;text-align:center;padding:25px 10px 0 10px;cursor:pointer;\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1814\/fair-housing-maintenance?utm_source=cp_blog'\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width:135px;height:135px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #2B58B5;padding:3px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/image.php?src=https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/uploads\/img_upload\/1707319698_f5a2d403ae4a8919f7d1.jpg&w=200&h=200&zc=1&s=1\" alt=\"Speaker\"><div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:5px;font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;line-height:22px;max-height:65px;overflow:hidden;\">One Mistake Away: Fair Housing Violations Your Maintenance Team Is Making Right Now<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><div style=\"margin:10px auto 0 auto;display:inline-block;\"><div style=\"width:20px;float:left;\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" id=\"IconChangeColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\"><path d=\"M160 32V64H288V32C288 14.33 302.3 0 320 0C337.7 0 352 14.33 352 32V64H400C426.5 64 448 85.49 448 112V160H0V112C0 85.49 21.49 64 48 64H96V32C96 14.33 110.3 0 128 0C145.7 0 160 14.33 160 32zM0 192H448V464C448 490.5 426.5 512 400 512H48C21.49 512 0 490.5 0 464V192zM64 304C64 312.8 71.16 320 80 320H112C120.8 320 128 312.8 128 304V272C128 263.2 120.8 256 112 256H80C71.16 256 64 263.2 64 272V304zM192 304C192 312.8 199.2 320 208 320H240C248.8 320 256 312.8 256 304V272C256 263.2 248.8 256 240 256H208C199.2 256 192 263.2 192 272V304zM336 256C327.2 256 320 263.2 320 272V304C320 312.8 327.2 320 336 320H368C376.8 320 384 312.8 384 304V272C384 263.2 376.8 256 368 256H336zM64 432C64 440.8 71.16 448 80 448H112C120.8 448 128 440.8 128 432V400C128 391.2 120.8 384 112 384H80C71.16 384 64 391.2 64 400V432zM208 384C199.2 384 192 391.2 192 400V432C192 440.8 199.2 448 208 448H240C248.8 448 256 440.8 256 432V400C256 391.2 248.8 384 240 384H208zM320 432C320 440.8 327.2 448 336 448H368C376.8 448 384 440.8 384 432V400C384 391.2 376.8 384 368 384H336C327.2 384 320 391.2 320 400V432z\" id=\"mainIconPathAttribute\" stroke-width=\"1\" stroke=\"#ff0000\" filter=\"url(#shadow)\" fill=\"#FB0351\"><\/path><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"float:left;margin-left:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;color:#FB0351;\">May 28th 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#2B58B5;margin-top:-10px;\"><strong>Speaker: <\/strong>Doug Chasick<\/div><div style=\"width:120px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:#FB0351;border:2px solid #FB0351;border-radius:30px;padding:1px 5px;margin:10px auto;\">Learn More<\/div><\/div><div style=\"width:250px;height:350px;background-color:#D2E0FF;background:url(https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/assets\/images\/wdt-back.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;border-radius:10px;margin-right:10px;float:left;text-align:center;padding:25px 10px 0 10px;cursor:pointer;\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1823\/assistance-animals?utm_source=cp_blog'\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width:135px;height:135px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #2B58B5;padding:3px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/image.php?src=https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/uploads\/img_upload\/1707319698_f5a2d403ae4a8919f7d1.jpg&w=200&h=200&zc=1&s=1\" alt=\"Speaker\"><div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:5px;font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;line-height:22px;max-height:65px;overflow:hidden;\">This Just In: HUD's New ESA Enforcement Rules - What Housing Providers Must Know Now<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><div style=\"margin:10px auto 0 auto;display:inline-block;\"><div style=\"width:20px;float:left;\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" id=\"IconChangeColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\"><path d=\"M160 32V64H288V32C288 14.33 302.3 0 320 0C337.7 0 352 14.33 352 32V64H400C426.5 64 448 85.49 448 112V160H0V112C0 85.49 21.49 64 48 64H96V32C96 14.33 110.3 0 128 0C145.7 0 160 14.33 160 32zM0 192H448V464C448 490.5 426.5 512 400 512H48C21.49 512 0 490.5 0 464V192zM64 304C64 312.8 71.16 320 80 320H112C120.8 320 128 312.8 128 304V272C128 263.2 120.8 256 112 256H80C71.16 256 64 263.2 64 272V304zM192 304C192 312.8 199.2 320 208 320H240C248.8 320 256 312.8 256 304V272C256 263.2 248.8 256 240 256H208C199.2 256 192 263.2 192 272V304zM336 256C327.2 256 320 263.2 320 272V304C320 312.8 327.2 320 336 320H368C376.8 320 384 312.8 384 304V272C384 263.2 376.8 256 368 256H336zM64 432C64 440.8 71.16 448 80 448H112C120.8 448 128 440.8 128 432V400C128 391.2 120.8 384 112 384H80C71.16 384 64 391.2 64 400V432zM208 384C199.2 384 192 391.2 192 400V432C192 440.8 199.2 448 208 448H240C248.8 448 256 440.8 256 432V400C256 391.2 248.8 384 240 384H208zM320 432C320 440.8 327.2 448 336 448H368C376.8 448 384 440.8 384 432V400C384 391.2 376.8 384 368 384H336C327.2 384 320 391.2 320 400V432z\" id=\"mainIconPathAttribute\" stroke-width=\"1\" stroke=\"#ff0000\" filter=\"url(#shadow)\" fill=\"#FB0351\"><\/path><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"float:left;margin-left:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;color:#FB0351;\">Jun 10th 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#2B58B5;margin-top:-10px;\"><strong>Speaker: <\/strong>Doug Chasick<\/div><div style=\"width:120px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:#FB0351;border:2px solid #FB0351;border-radius:30px;padding:1px 5px;margin:10px auto;\">Learn More<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You might have to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1275\/three-steps-2023\">deal with angry residents and handle their complaints strategically<\/a>. For this, first of all, you need to distinguish between chronic complainers and those with genuine complaints, as the two require different approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog, we&#8217;ll explore how to differentiate between these two groups and share strategies to manage their concerns effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Chronic Complainers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Individuals who frequently express dissatisfaction or grievances without seeking or accepting potential solutions are known as chronic complainers. They can present specific challenges within an affordable housing community. Some key characteristics of chronic complainers in this context are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Frequent Complaints<\/strong>: People who complain a lot tend to be dissatisfied with things on a regular basis, and it can seem like there&#8217;s always something to be unhappy about.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Resistance to Solutions<\/strong>: Residents tend to complain without accepting potential solutions, which can be frustrating for managers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>Negative Impact<\/strong>: Chronic complainers can disrupt the atmosphere and affect the sense of community among residents.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"4\">\n<li><strong>Attention-Seeking<\/strong>: Chronic complainers sometimes use their grievances in an effort to make people sympathetic or pay attention to them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Differentiating Genuine Complaints from Chronic Complaining<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to properly handle and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/19\/steps-for-resolving-fair-housing-complaints\/\">resolve complaints<\/a>, affordable housing managers need to understand the nature of the complaints. By distinguishing between genuine complaints and chronic complainers, you can allocate your resources and energy more efficiently. Here are some guidelines to help you differentiate between the two:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Frequency and Consistency:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Genuine Complaints<\/strong>: Residents with genuine concerns will raise issues occasionally when they encounter real problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Chronic Complainers<\/strong>: Chronic complainers consistently bring up issues, often unrelated or trivial, with no end in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2.<\/strong> <strong>Willingness to Find Solutions:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Genuine Complaints<\/strong>: Those with real complaints are open to discussing and implementing potential solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Chronic Complainers<\/strong>: Chronic complainers typically resist or dismiss solutions, often preferring to focus on the problem itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Nature of the Complaint:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Genuine Complaints<\/strong>: Genuine complaints are typically related to specific, tangible issues that affect residents&#8217; well-being or safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Chronic Complainers<\/strong>: Chronic complainers&#8217; complaints can sometimes appear exaggerated, trivial, or unrelated to actual problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Impact on Community:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Genuine Complaints<\/strong>: Residents with genuine concerns voice their complaints without causing undue stress or negativity among their neighbors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Chronic Complainers<\/strong>: Chronic complainers may contribute to a negative atmosphere, leading to emotional exhaustion and strained relationships within the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Deal with Chronic Complainers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, managing chronic complainers can be a delicate task, but as an affordable housing manager, it&#8217;s essential to approach it with empathy and professionalism. Here are some strategies you can use to effectively handle chronic complainers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Active Listening<\/strong>: Make the person feel like you are listening to their concerns, but gently encourage them to explore potential solutions and improvements to the situation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Establish Boundaries<\/strong>: You need to make sure chronic complainers are aware when their complaints have become overwhelming or unproductive to make sure that community peace is maintained.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>Documentation<\/strong>: It is important to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/sites\/documents\/23536_complaint-process.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maintain a record of the issues raised by chronic complainers<\/a> and your responses to these issues, which can be useful for future reference and conflict resolution in the future.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"4\">\n<li><strong>Community Engagement<\/strong>: It is important to promote community events and activities that foster an atmosphere of inclusivity and positivity that can help reduce the negative effect that chronic complainers can have on the community at large.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"5\">\n<li><strong>Seek Professional Help<\/strong>: If a chronic complainer&#8217;s behavior is negatively impacting their well-being or the well-being of the community, then you might want to consider offering them professional counseling or mediation to resolve their issues.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As an affordable housing manager, navigating the distinction between chronic complainers and genuine complaints is vital to maintaining a harmonious living environment for all residents. While we must listen to the concerns of our residents, it is equally important to manage chronic complainers in a way that preserves the well-being of the entire community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By understanding the nature of complaints and addressing them appropriately, we can create a more positive and inclusive atmosphere within our affordable housing community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As an affordable housing manager, the role involves ensuring that our residents have a comfortable and safe place to call home. Part of this responsibility means addressing complaints and concerns&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4249","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-construction-housing"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4249","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4249"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4249\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4877,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4249\/revisions\/4877"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}