Many times when you are renting a property, you may find that you are faced with having to deal with a very rude and challenging property manager. Some may be notorious for never wanting to give back their security deposit.
If the property manager is rude and you can rent from someone else, we suggest you try to find someone else to rent from; but if that is not possible, then there are steps you can take to ensure you are protected and try to defuse the situation.
Table of Contents
- Rent From Someone Else
- Steps To Take If You Rent From A Rude Property Agent
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Questions
Rent From Someone Else
If you have a choice, you may consider renting from someone else. If you know your property manager is rude, complicated, and even outright tricky, it can make your renting from them miserable.
That is why if you have a choice or unless you feel you are getting such a great deal you do not want to rent from someone else, then you may decide putting up with them is part of the cost of renting from them.
Many property managers are also very stressed in their jobs. They may have many properties they are renting from, and from the beginning, they may look at every tenant as difficult.
If that is the case, you can try to smooth out the situation by trying to be as reasonable as possible to the property manager; even if they are rude, you can try to be very friendly and polite.
Steps To Take If You Rent From A Rude Property Agent
If you feel this rental is the best option for you and it is in the location and at the price you want, then there are some things you can do to rent from rude property agents.
Limit Face To Face Contact
One of the first things you can do is limit face-to-face contact with the rude property agent. You will probably be better off having less contact with them face-to-face.
When you call them, get to the point of the problem and be professional. Do not raise your voice, swear or get emotional.
Once you have called them or had a face-to-face meeting, follow up with a professional email to repeat your discussion. The purpose of this would be that you have it written down on paper.
Keep A Paper Trail
It is best if you continually keep a paper trail with anyone rude or demanding property manager. The paper trail serves as a record and a way to protect yourself.
That is why when dealing with the property agent, follow up on an email to repeat what was written or discussed.
You want to be sure that you have a paper trail for everything that happens. The paper trail will be necessary, especially if you need to go to court later.
Act Professionally
One of the hardest things you may need to do when dealing with a rude property manager is to act professionally and keep your cool even when they are outright rude to you.
If they are rude to you and you start to yell and swear back at them, it will only escalate the situation; neither of you will win this situation. But if you can remain calm and keep your cool, you will usually be the winner of the situation, or at least with your dignity intact.
Keep Track Of Financials
Make sure you always have a record of all your payments and that you ask for a receipt. If they do not give you a receipt, have clear documentation showing that you repeatedly requested a receipt.
Pay your rent on time. Make sure there is no reason for anyone to question if your rent was paid and if the rent was late or on time. Making sure it is on time and in total will help you later if there is a court case.
Pay by money order or cheque so you have a record of the payment. Never give them cash, as it will be hard to record a cash payment.
Read Your Contract Carefully
Many potential tenants mistake skimming through their tenancy contracts and not reading all the fine print. If you feel you have a problematic landlord or property manager, you should carefully read through all the fine print and ask any questions before you sign the contract and close the deal.
The landlord should write in the contract what you are responsible for paying. Many disagreements arise between the landlord and tenants because they did not clearly read the contract and fully understand their obligations.
Listen To Our Podcast About What Can I Do About A Rude Property Manager? by clicking here.
Keep a copy of your signed contract where you can easily find it and refer back to it when you have questions about who is responsible for what.
Know Your Local Tenancy Laws
Know and become familiar with your local tenancy laws. Different states and areas have different laws, so it is best to become familiar with your area’s laws and tenancy rights.
If you fully know and understand your tenancy rights, it will not only help you if there is a court case but may also help you better deal with a rude property manager as you are fully aware of your rights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have a rude property manager?
If you have a rude property manager, it’s important to address the issue promptly and professionally.
How should I approach the situation with a rude property manager?
Start by communicating your concerns to the property manager in a calm and respectful manner.
Can I file a complaint against a rude property manager?
Yes, if the behavior of the property manager is consistently rude or unprofessional, you can consider filing a complaint with the property management company or the property owner.
Should I document instances of rude behavior from the property manager?
Yes, it’s a good idea to keep a record of any instances of rude behavior, including dates, times, and specific details of the incidents.
What if the property manager does not respond to my concerns?
If the property manager does not respond or fails to address your concerns, you may need to escalate the issue to higher authorities, such as the property management company’s supervisor or the property owner.
Is it appropriate to involve other tenants or neighbors in addressing the rude property manager?
Involving other tenants or neighbors should be done cautiously, as it may not always be necessary or productive. However, if multiple individuals have experienced similar issues, collective action may be considered.
Should I consult legal advice if the situation with the property manager worsens?
If the situation with the property manager escalates and legal rights or obligations are involved, consulting with an attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law can provide valuable guidance.
Can I request a transfer to a different property manager within the same company?
Depending on the policies of the property management company, it may be possible to request a transfer to a different property manager if the current one is consistently rude or unprofessional.
Should I review the terms of my lease agreement to understand my rights and obligations?
Yes, reviewing your lease agreement can help you understand the rights and obligations of both you and the property manager. It may include clauses related to behavior, communication, and dispute resolution.
Related Questions
Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid If They Do Not Sell?
Real Estate agents usually get paid on a commission base; they close on the sale of the property, and then they get paid. Some newer payment models have emerged where agents may get a salary instead of taking less commission. Most of the commissions an agent earns will be split between the listing agent, listing broker, buyer’s agent, and buyer’s broker.
By clicking here, you can read more about Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid If They Do Not Sell?
Can I Go In Someone’s House Without Permission And Get My Furniture Out?
You cannot legally go into someone’s house to get your furniture out without permission. Entering someone’s home without permission or getting your personal property as furniture could be considered burglary, theft, or criminal trespassing and punishable by law.
By clicking here, you can read more about Can I Go In Someone’s House Without Permission And Get My Furniture Out?
