Landlord Nightmares Stories #2: When Tenants Turn Into Trouble

Have you ever dreamed of a hassle-free rental income, only to find yourself entangled in a nightmare with troublesome tenants? Every landlord hopes to find responsible tenants who pay and care for the property. However, as some Malaysian landlords have discovered, the reality can be far more distressing. In this article, we’ll talk about some stories from the New Straits Times, that were featured last year. Even though these things happened a while ago, we can still learn a lot from them. It’s a real-life story of landlords whose tenants became more than just a nuisance, causing emotional distress and financial loss. Let’s delve into these stories and discover how these landlords dealt when tenants turn into trouble and what you can do to protect yourself from similar situations.

The Unseen Costs of a Tenant

When tenants turn into trouble, the financial and emotional costs can be overwhelming. Jejai’s story is a prime example of this. After his father passed away in December 2021, Jejai took over the responsibility of collecting rent from a tenant who had been staying on their family’s property for nearly five years. What he didn’t know was that this tenant had stopped paying rent for the past three months. 

In a shocking turn of events, the tenant not only refused to pay the overdue rent but also became aggressive, hurling threats and profanities when asked to vacate the property. The situation deteriorated to the point where Jejai had to engage a lawyer, costing his family RM12,700 in legal fees. The tenant took advantage of his father’s kindness, leaving behind not just unpaid rent but also a damaged property.

Landlords like Jejai are often left to pick up the pieces. His family’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of conducting regular tenant checks and ensuring that rental agreements are enforced. Allowing leniency can sometimes lead to exploitation, with tenants taking advantage of a landlord’s goodwill.

When the House Becomes a Horror Show

When tenants turn into trouble, the physical state of a property can suffer immensely. Mazniwati Abdul Malik, another unfortunate landlord, experienced this firsthand. Her tenant ran off without settling more than three months of overdue rent, leaving the house in complete disarray. They often abandon the property without a word, as was the case here.

Mazniwati was heartbroken when she finally visited the property. The tenant had left behind a revolting mess and even ran off with the house keys. To add insult to injury, the tenant had also stolen the taps and lights, leaving Mazniwati with RM1,000 in unpaid utility bills. The emotional toll was so severe that she decided to rent the property to a relative instead, unable to bear the thought of dealing with another unknown tenant.

When tenants are difficult to deal with, the impact isn’t just financial—it’s deeply personal. Mazniwati’s story underscores the need for landlords to carry out thorough background checks on potential tenants and to visit their properties regularly. By being vigilant, landlords can prevent such nightmarish situations from unfolding.

A Tenant’s Neglect

When tenants turn into trouble, even the most lenient landlords can find themselves in a dire situation. Amurosidah Abdullah, the founder of Bee Cleaning Services, was called to clean a house so filthy that she feared there might be a dead body inside. The tenant had not only stopped paying rent for six months but also left the house in a horrifying state.

The landlord, who lived in Kelantan, had initially been understanding due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) and allowed the tenant some flexibility with rent payments. However, when tenants are difficult to deal with, good intentions can backfire. The tenant took advantage of the situation, running off and leaving the landlord with over RM10,000 in cleaning and repair costs.

Landlords are left to deal with the aftermath. This story highlights the importance of having a contingency plan in place, even during challenging times like a pandemic. While being flexible is important, landlords must also protect their interests to avoid significant losses.

How to Protect Yourself from Tenant Troubles

When tenants turn into trouble, having the right safeguards in place is crucial. Here’s a list of how to protect yourself as a Landlord.

• Thorough tenant screening: Verify tenants’ income, rental history, and references.
• Comprehensive Tenancy Agreement: Clearly outline the terms and conditions of the tenancy, including rent, security deposit, and maintenance responsibilities.
• Regular property inspections: Conduct periodic inspections to identify any issues and address them promptly.
• Effective communication: Maintain open and honest communication with tenants to address concerns and avoid misunderstandings.
• Legal advice: Consult with a legal professional if you encounter tenant problems to understand your rights and options.
• Landlord Insurance: Invest in insurance to cover damages and loss of rent.

Consider listing your property at SPEEDHOME, a platform that offers a range of features to simplify renting and managing properties. From automated rent collection and free tenant screening to digital tenancy agreements, property protection, and hassle-free maintenance services, SPEEDHOME provides a comprehensive solution for property management. Their SPEEDMANAGE offers a full A-Z rental management service, making it easier for both landlords and tenants to navigate the rental process.

By implementing these safeguards, landlords can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering troublesome tenants and protect their investments.

Conclusion

When tenants turn into trouble, the consequences can be severe, both financially and emotionally. From damaged properties to unpaid rent, the stories shared in this article highlight the challenges landlords can face. By taking proactive steps—such as thorough tenant screening, regular property checks, and having a solid tenancy agreement—landlords can protect themselves and their investments it’s essential to be prepared.

Take action now to safeguard your property and ensure peace of mind. Don’t let a bad tenant turn your dream of rental income into a nightmare. List your property at SPEEHOME and benefit from comprehensive rental management services.