Published on September 25th, 2012
By Aimee Miller

Property managers face a variety of everyday tasks. Some days these tasks involve more serious problems, like dealing with a disruptive resident. The resident’s weekly parties might be angering the neighbors, or it might be the non-stop music on Saturday mornings that is not always welcome. Regardless of the problem, property managers can deal with difficult residents with limited conflict.

Put Living Standards in the Lease Agreement
One of the best ways for property managers to handle a disruptive resident can come right in the rental lease agreement. Leases can contain a clause pertaining to disruptive behavior and noisiness. Rental lease agreements should explicitly say what is too loud or disruptive behavior. These clauses can also help scare off would-be noisy residents. Rental lease agreements should also state that residents should be respectful of one another. Property managers should look at covering other hazards in the rental agreement, such as illegal activity or health hazards.

Keep Informed on Residential Laws
Residential laws can often help with noise situations in complexes and residences. Many communities have in place regulations and laws as to how property managers can deal with noisy residents. If a neighbor and the manager can attest to noise to the police, the law can step in and spur action in the resident. Property managers should also keep in mind what services residents expect in their property so as to not be up in arms about an issue that has no merit.

Take “Cure or Quit” Action if Necessary
Some residents will change their behavior if a property manager points it out to them. However, others require more intensive action. A “Cure or Quit” notice can assist the property manager in dealing with the issue at hand. The “Cure or Quit” notice should specifically tell the resident how much time the property manager is giving them to clean up their act. If the resident does not change according to the notice, owners and managers can take legal action toward evicting the resident.

Evict When Necessary
When the property manager has employed all of the above techniques and the resident is still a headache for the property, it might be time to evict the resident. If notices have gone ignored and property managers start to face other tenants leaving as a result of one bad seed, eviction can make the most business sense. Property managers can serve residents with unconditional quit notices, informing them they must leave the property as soon as possible due to their actions. Some residents might not budge even after these notices. Property managers can then serve residents with a summons to leave. This notice basically tells the resident to leave or law enforcement will be called to help.