Should a landlord require a long-term tenant to fill out a new application is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out his form below.
Dear Landlord Hank:
Can I insist that a long-term tenant fill out a new application?
Not for the purposes of “applying” (they’ve lived there for 11 years) but for the purpose of updating employment and other information.
Thank you. -Janeese
Dear Landlady Janeese,
Great to hear you have long-term tenants of 11 years. You are apparently doing everything right to keep them happy for so long.
I would think that your tenants wouldn’t mind you updating your contact info in case you need to reach them in an emergency situation.
If they are reluctant to fill out a standard information form, maybe you could just ask them verbally for the information. If the tenants still won’t comply with this simple request, I’d ask them what objection they have.
If the objection doesn’t make any sense, it may be time to seek out new tenants.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal.   https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/
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