Blog Layout

Common Tenant Complaints and How to Handle Them

December 11, 2024

If you own an investment property and you have tenants, it is inevitable that you will, at some point, have to deal with complaints from your tenants. It is best to be prepared for this eventuality so that you know what the most common tenant complaints are, and how to handle them.


Dealing with tenant complaints quickly and efficiently will give you a good reputation as a landlord and keep your tenants happy so that they have no qualms about renewing their leases. This is essential if you want to maximize the returns on your property investments.

Here are three of the common complaints tenants have, and how best to deal with them.


1. Pests

New ParaPests, bug, and rodent infestations need to be dealt with promptly. A complaint from a tenant about a pest infestation must be taken seriously as it affects the habitability of your investment property which, in turn, affects the profitability of your investment. 


  • DO call an exterminator immediately.
  • DON’T lay the blame on your tenant’s hygiene, even if it is the cause.
  • CONSIDER having annual inspections to pre-empt any problems with pests. 


2. Maintenance Issues

New ParagraphYou will definitely get requests from tenants to deal with maintenance issues. Some will be emergencies, and some not. All should be dealt with as promptly and efficiently as possible in order to prevent your tenant from withholding rent and ensure that they are happy and renew their lease without a problem.


  • DO put everything in writing. Even if your tenant calls you with a problem you should commit the problem and the solution to writing using text messages or email so that you have a written record of all complaints.
  • DON’T minimize the severity of the maintenance issue. It may be a big problem to your tenant even if it isn’t to you.
  • CONSIDER including a maintenance reporting policy in your lease in order to ensure that there is clarity and minimal opportunity for misunderstandings between you and your tenant to arise. 


3. Noise Disturbance

New ParagraphThis tenant complaint is often the most difficult to address because it involves emotions and tolerance levels and you can’t just call someone up to fix the problem. Dealing with a noise complaint about your tenant is easy enough to deal with, you simply need to address the issue with them and, should they persist, threaten to terminate their lease. Dealing with a complaint your tenant has about neighbors can be a little more challenging because, essentially, it is not your problem. 


  • DO encourage tenants to take up noise complaints with the neighbors themselves or to call the police if they have no joy.
  • DON’T be judgmental if the complaint is about your tenants. 
  • CONSIDER mitigating noise levels by improving the insulation of your investment property by making sure windows and doors seal properly or by putting down carpets. This is essential if the noise is from an uncontrollable source like traffic.


It is often extremely worthwhile to appoint a property manager who can deal with tenant complaints, amongst other things, for you. A property manager like Suite Properties, will take care of everything from financial reporting to marketing the property, screening applicants, collecting rent, and dealing with tenant complaints. 


Suite Properties takes all the hassle out of an investment property. The specialize in managing urban residential properties and will protect your investment by providing outstanding service to both you and to your tenants.

Multifamily properties continue to be a cornerstone of wealth-building through real estate. When you
March 10, 2025
Multifamily properties continue to be a cornerstone of wealth-building through real estate. When you combine their income stability, appreciation potential, and tax advantages, it’s clear why so many investors are drawn to them
February 12, 2025
In Detroit's dynamic rental market, thorough tenant screening remains the cornerstone of successful property management. At Suite Properties, we understand the unique characteristics of Detroit neighborhoods and rental dynamics.
As a property owner in Detroit, MI, you have a crucial decision to make: Should you rent your proper
January 8, 2025
As a property owner in Detroit, MI, you have a crucial decision to make: Should you rent your property as a short-term rental (STR) like an Airbnb or opt for a traditional long-term lease?
January 8, 2021
We've all heard horror stories about problematic tenants and absent property managers, but what does the average experience of working with a property management company offer? Like most things, a lot will depend on the company you choose to work with, but overwhelming landlords and tenants will say that working with a good property management company makes everything easier. A property manager isn't just responsible for collecting the rent every month. Many companies offer a full-service approach to provide ease and peace of mind to landlords and an excellent experience for tenants. Preparation and Tenant Screening Great property management companies are involved in every step of the renting process, from preparing the unit, to maintaining it throughout the tenancy. This starts with property marketing. Property managers know the importance of not having vacant units for an extended time. View our available properties in Detroit The advantage of a company specializing in attracting and maintaining good tenants is that they know how to attract the right people. After a suitable applicant has been found, the property management company will then handle the entire screening process. This will include background checks and the removal of high-risk applicants from consideration so that landlords are left with the most qualified leads. The management company will also handle property showings, walkthroughs, inspections, and the documentation of the property's condition during both move-ins and move-outs. They will also take care of any necessary repairs that need to be done. Maintenance & Rent Collection In Detroit, MI, an exceptional property management company will also be responsible for maintaining the property while the tenants occupy the unit. Instead of needing to contact contractors or repair people and juggle their schedules with yours and your tenants, the property manager will handle it all from start to finish. Often, excellent property management companies will have their own connections and dedicated technicians to address emergencies on-site. Learn more about our Detroit Property Management Services Rent collection is another service that is provided by property managers. They will collect the rent on time every month and will be the ones to follow up with tenants if the rent is late. In the worst-case scenario, if you have a problem tenant, the property manager will also be the one to begin the eviction process and deal with all of the legal considerations of tenancy issues. Financial Reporting & Business Streamlining Ultimately owning a rental property is a job all on its own. Working with a professional property management company means regular updates on the business’s financials and access to accounting and financial services. The ability to have all of the expenses and revenue reflected and organized through a third-party can take a lot of stress and pressure off landlords. Get in touch with Suite Properties today Further, the peace of mind offered by a Detroit property management company can not be overstated. The time saved from showing suites, running background checks, vetting references, arguing about late rent payments, or dealing with problematic tenants is often well worth a management company's cost. Besides the time saved, it can also reduce a lot of stress and headache that occurs with problematic tenants or even just the regular upheaval of move-in & move-outs and the various steps associated with preparing the unit for a new occupant.
Benefits of Hiring a Property Manager for Rental Properties
By Editorial Team October 30, 2020
If you want to rent out your property for extra income, but you don’t think you will be able to manage all the added work, then this article is for you.
Share by: