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Most Common Problems Tenants Face and How to Deal with Them

As a tenant, you enjoy the benefits of less financial commitment and more flexibility than a homeowner; however, with these advantages comes the disadvantage of lack of control. You are at the mercy of your landlord to take care of any problems and upkeep the property. As such, it is crucial to choose your rental property wisely and dig deep when interviewing your potential landlord. 

Common Problems 

1. Repairs 

Repairs are an inevitable problem that all tenants face. As a tenant, you can mitigate the number of repairs that might plague you by choosing a newer home or a recently remodeled one. Before signing a lease, you should also consider speaking to your potential landlord or property manager. Ask in-depth questions about how he or she handles repairs, his or her philosophy on how proactive the landlord's role should be in taking care of repairs, and what you can expect from him or her when you reach out with a repair problem. Communication is key. "Ensure at the start of a tenancy that both parties are aware of what their responsibilities are. Issues such as damp, mold, problems with electrics, plumbing, and safety aspects such as locks on windows and doors are likely a landlord's responsibility; whereas, a blown light bulb or a beeping fire alarm can be dealt with by the tenant" (chancellors.co.uk). 

Furthermore, make sure your lease includes specific instructions on how to raise a maintenance request, the expected response time for different types of maintenance complaints, what to do in case of an emergency, etc. (propertyware.com). "For example, many property management companies now ask their residents to raise an online maintenance request in order to simplify the process and allow easy tracking" (propertyware.com).  

Finally, if you are the type of person who is handy and would like to take care of the repairs yourself (when possible), communicate this with the landlord and ask for an arrangement where you receive reimbursement or money off of your rent when you make any repairs. You do not want to end up in a situation where you feel taken advantage of for your time and effort because the landlord does not adequately compensate you for the repairs you have made. Or, worse yet, you are financially behind because you have not been reimbursed for your material costs.  

2. Pests 

Before settling on a home, ask the landlord if the property has received consistent pest control and if monthly pest service is included in the rent. If not, find out if it can be added and ask permission to hire a pest control company to inspect the property before you move in. "No one wants their home invaded by bugs, cockroaches, or rodents"(propertyware.com). Pest problems can quickly get worse and cause damage to the home and its contents. To prevent such issues from occurring in the first place, take preventive action and have the property treated periodically (propertyware.com). 

3. Security Deposit 

We have all heard horror stories of landlords keeping security deposits for no reason. To protect yourself from this dishonesty, be sure you video and photograph the property inside and out before you move in. Do the same to document the condition of the home upon moving out. If your landlord withholds your security deposit, you can provide proof that you caused no damage to the property and present a solid case for getting a full refund of your deposit. 

4. Noisy Neighbors 

If you value peace and quiet, it is a good idea to pay attention to what the neighbors are like before you sign a lease. Visit the property at different times of the day and night. Walk around. If you see neighbors out for a stroll or walking their dog, ask them what the neighborhood is like. Find out if the neighbors are typically noisy. Get a sense of the daily schedule of the neighbors. Listen for nearby barking dogs and loud music as well as traffic noise.  

In Summary 

While renters do not enjoy the same level of control over their home that homeowners do, with careful research and forethought and solid communication with the landlord, renters can take full advantage of the hassle-free freedom that comes with renting.  

Sources: 

chancellors.co.uk 

propertyware.com