Cleaning up after your tenants is the worst! It’s required and usually shouldn’t be too bad, but when it is bad – It’s the worst.
Obviously, the best way to deal with tenants that aren’t the most hygienic is to not have them in the first place, but the world just isn’t so perfect that there is always a way to know. So, you have dirty tenants: how do you tell them it is time to clean up?
Why it Matters
Some tenants may not see their cleanliness as an issue. They may have even said it to your face: we’re the ones living there, right, so what is it to you? When addressing your tenant, bring in these high cost issues that could potentially come out of their security deposit.
- Structural Damage: Large messes can leave stains, rot, smells that need to be professionally cleaned out, damage to support beams, and more.
Why It Matters
Structural Damage: Large messes can leave stains, rot, smells that need to be professionally cleaned out, damage to support beams, and more.
- Infestations: Cockroaches and water bugs are becoming increasingly difficult to get rid of. They’re attracted to mess and can have a real impact on health and quality of life but require real and expensive work to get rid of them.
Infestations: Cockroaches and water bugs are becoming increasingly difficult to get rid of. They’re attracted to mess and can have a real impact on health and quality of life but require real and expensive work to get rid of them.
Cleanliness: Building hygiene is a very important topic, especially these days. Remind them that it is your job to ensure the property is safe and clean for all tenants, present and future tense. You’re worried about their health, their neighbor’s health, and how their actions affect the world around.
- Cleanliness: Building hygiene is a very important topic, especially these days. Remind them that it is your job to ensure the property is safe and clean for all tenants, present and future tense. You’re worried about their health, their neighbor’s health, and how their actions affect the world around.
- Quick Tip! Consider the age of your tenant. Are they fresh from college? As many start on their journeys towards independence, they have to learn how to take care of themselves. Put aside frustration and consider this as a teaching moment. They may actually be grateful.
- Quick Tip! Consider the age of your tenant. Are they fresh from college? As many start on their journeys towards independence, they have to learn how to take care of themselves. Put aside frustration and consider this as a teaching moment. They may actually be grateful.
Open Verbal Communication
Once you have noticed that there is a problem, it’s time to start communicating. If you noticed that there was a cleanliness issue but walked away without telling them to get their act together, that’s okay. A lot of people do not know what to say in the moment. Contact them again and be professional but kind. Firm, but fair. You want them to see you as someone who has empathy but is still a figure of respectable authority.
“I noticed this before but didn’t know how to respond in the moment. I trust that you know how to take care of yourself, however I have concerns about health and safety violations.”
Make sure you are understanding, citing limitations that you know your tenant has (such as time, mobility, family, etc.). You should always double check that your lease has a clause that states your tenants are expected to maintain health and safety standards, or even rules about the cleanliness of the place. Write down when you talked to them, as having everything documented is always a good idea.
Explain why this is important. Tenants like that the safety of the property is important to you. They want you to care.
“I want this property to be safe for everyone and it is my job to make sure that it is. I’m concerned that the current state of the property is inviting dangerous situations such as [mold, mildew, other areas of concern].”
Open Verbal Communication
“I noticed this before but didn’t know how to respond in the moment. I trust that you know how to take care of yourself, however I have concerns about health and safety violations.”
“I want this property to be safe for everyone and it is my job to make sure that it is. I’m concerned that the current state of the property is inviting dangerous situations such as [mold, mildew, other areas of concern].”
After you talk to them, consider sending a follow-up email going over the conversation. This will give you a documented version that you did talk to them and when.
You should be very careful if you believe your current tenant is a hoarder. As hoarding is considered a disorder, getting them to clean up can be a longer road than desired with legal complications due to medical protections.
After you talk to them, consider sending a follow-up email going over the conversation. This will give you a documented version that you did talk to them and when.
You should be very careful if you believe your current tenant is a hoarder. As hoarding is considered a disorder, getting them to clean up can be a longer road than desired with legal complications due to medical protections.
Open Written Communication
A firm talking to won’t work for everyone, in fact, it won’t work for a lot of people.
If, after your chit-chat and possible email, your tenant still isn’t cleaning, it may be time to send a formal notice. Check with a lawyer about how to address the specific legal language and to make sure all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed.
Ask your lawyer for specifics in writing this letter – including the clauses in your lease. In a ‘Cure Quit’ notice, the important details need to be outlined, along with a final date it needs to be done by.
Open Written Communication
How have you dealt with an unhygienic tenant? Let us know in the comments below!
How have you dealt with an unhygienic tenant? Let us know in the comments below!
5 Replies to “Is there a Nice Way to Ask Your Tenants To Clean Up?”
Important information. Tactful ways of dealing with this problem. Thank you.
When I talk with the new tenants I always tell them that it will be in the contract that I will have the right to inspect the rental at any time with 5 days notice.
I tell them it is for insurance and health purposes that concern surrounding renters and other residents in the neighborhood. I tell them that if they do not adhere to these rules, they will have 5 days to find another rental to live in. It’s very simple really, it’s your property and it’s your responsibility should anything happen within the rental.
I have been dealing with the fact that they always want to leave garbage laying around outside, yet they said they do it on purpose because I am their “servant”… they have so much mess in the basement with piling clothes.
My tenant is filthy. Has been here sense Oct 2022.
He never has taken garbage out to my garbage can outside. I’ve seen the room . And taken pictures. You can’t walk in the room. It’s covered with clothes. And garbage. He eats out always ,Never used the kitchen. I need help. I’ve given him a garbage can for has room and bathroom. But still will not take his garbage out. What can I do?