Image Source: 123rf.com
Managing properties isn’t just about collecting rent and fixing leaky faucets. For property managers, it’s a juggling act that involves tenant relationships, maintenance, legal compliance, and often, putting out fires—sometimes literally.
While most renters are respectful and easy to work with, certain behaviors can turn a day’s work into a logistical nightmare.
Ignoring Lease Terms
When tenants sign a lease, it’s a legally binding agreement—not just a suggestion or a loose outline. Property managers put considerable time into crafting leases that cover important details like rent due dates, pet policies, and maintenance responsibilities.
Ignoring these terms creates confusion and often leads to avoidable conflict. Whether it’s sneaking in a pet or making unauthorized changes to the unit, violating the lease puts pressure on property managers to play the role of enforcer. Respecting the lease makes life easier for everyone involved.
Delaying Maintenance Requests
Waiting until a small issue becomes a full-blown emergency doesn’t just cost more—it creates major headaches for managers and tenants alike. Property managers genuinely want to keep units in good shape, but they can’t fix what they don’t know about.
When tenants wait weeks to report a leaking pipe or faulty wiring, the damage worsens and repair timelines stretch. Prompt communication is key to keeping the property safe and livable. Think of reporting issues early as a partnership, not a burden.
Skipping the Rent Conversation
Missing a rent payment happens—but ghosting your property manager when it does only makes things worse. Managers are far more likely to work with tenants who communicate than with those who disappear without a word.
Open conversations about late payments can lead to temporary solutions or payment plans. What they can’t do is help when they don’t know what’s going on. Transparency shows respect and makes finding a resolution easier for both sides.
Treating the Property Like It’s Not Yours
Just because you don’t own the building doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility to treat it well. Property managers regularly walk into units where cleanliness has been neglected or intentional damage has occurred, making their job exponentially harder. The longer-term consequence is often losing your deposit—or worse, facing legal or eviction action.
Taking pride in your space shows respect for both the property and the people maintaining it. Your living space reflects on you, whether you own it or not.
Sneaking in Extra Roommates
There’s a reason leases often require disclosure of everyone living in a unit, and it’s not just about collecting more rent. Property managers are responsible for the safety and legal occupancy of the building, and unauthorized tenants make that job harder.
From wear and tear on the unit to parking headaches and neighbor complaints, hidden roommates cause logistical issues that ripple through the whole property. It’s always better to have an honest conversation before making changes to your household. Surprises like that don’t go over well—especially when discovered during inspections.
Making DIY Repairs
We get it—waiting on maintenance can be frustrating. But doing your own electrical, plumbing, or structural repairs is almost always a bad idea. Property managers often have to spend extra money fixing a fix, which could have been handled more efficiently if reported properly. Worse, these DIY jobs sometimes violate building codes or void insurance policies. Save yourself the risk and let the professionals handle it.
Misusing the Emergency Line
Emergency lines exist for a reason: real emergencies. But when tenants use it for minor issues like a dripping faucet or a locked-out roommate at 2 a.m., it disrupts everyone’s workflow. Property managers and their contractors often rotate on-call duties and deserve to know they’ll only be contacted for genuine emergencies.
Abuse of these lines creates burnout and delays for actual urgent issues. Respecting what qualifies as an emergency helps everyone get faster service when it matters most.
Failing to Prepare for Move-Out
When it’s time to move out, failing to clean, remove trash, or repair minor damages causes unnecessary chaos. Property managers operate on tight turnaround schedules, especially during peak moving seasons.
If a tenant leaves a mess, it delays new move-ins and costs more in labor and cleaning. Security deposits often don’t cover the full cost of restoring a unit that’s been neglected. A little preparation goes a long way in leaving a good impression—and getting your full deposit back.
Image Source: 123rf.com
Ignoring Community Rules
Common areas like hallways, parking lots, and laundry rooms are shared spaces that require mutual respect. Property managers constantly deal with complaints about noise, parking violations, or misuse of facilities—all of which can be avoided with a bit of courtesy. Disregarding rules affects your neighbors and often forces managers to play referee. These rules aren’t there to be controlling—they’re meant to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Following them helps foster a more pleasant living environment for everyone.
Being Unreachable
If your contact information changes, letting your property manager know should be at the top of your to-do list. Emergencies, repairs, and important notices all rely on accurate, up-to-date communication. Nothing is more frustrating for a property manager than trying to reach a tenant about a water leak or urgent repair and getting radio silence. Being responsive and accessible is part of being a responsible renter. Good communication isn’t just courteous—it can prevent serious issues from spiraling.
Managing A Rental Isn’t Easy, And This Makes It Harder
Managing a rental property is a complex job that’s equal parts logistics, law, and human interaction. While most tenants don’t mean to cause trouble, certain behaviors—whether due to forgetfulness or misunderstanding—can make that job significantly harder.
By avoiding these ten common issues, you’re not just making your property manager’s life easier; you’re improving your own experience as a renter. A well-maintained, respectful relationship benefits everyone, from happier landlords to better-maintained homes.
Got thoughts or stories to share? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your take.
Read More
Why Many Boomers Still Think Rent Under $1,000 Exists
15 Things You Should Never Do In An Apartment According to Property Managers
Leave a Reply