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Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative 2025 Pets and Housing Winners

By
John Triplett
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Winners of the annual pet-inclusive housing initiative awards for 2025 celebrate outstanding leadership in pet-inclusive rental housing policy
Ross Barker, Director of Michelson Found Animals Foundation’s Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative.

The winners of the annual pet-inclusive housing initiative awards have been announced by the Michelson Found Animals Foundation’s Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative. Each year the awards celebrate outstanding leadership in pet-inclusive rental housing policies and practices that drive business success and foster community wellness.

The growing number of pets and their increasingly important role in families’ and individuals’ lives present crucial opportunities for the housing industry, as outlined in the company’s Pets in Rental Housing: 2025 Outlook.

Many housing providers have already recognized this opportunity to meet renters where they are and are leading the way by going beyond pet-friendly to make their communities truly pet-inclusive.

“The winners of this year’s awards are showing what’s possible when housing embraces the full reality of people’s lives—including the pets they love,” Ross Barker, Director of Michelson Found Animals Foundation’s Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative said in a release. “Their efforts are making communities not just more welcoming, but also more stable, connected, and resilient.”

Director of Michelson Found Animals Foundation’s Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
Watch the awards video

The 2025 Pets and Housing Award Winners are:

Most Impactful Adoption or Foster Event, or Program: Dane Park Communities
Recognized for partnering with 97 shelters to help over 200 dogs find loving homes annually through community-driven adoption events and foster programs.

Most Innovative Pet Amenity or Amenity Group: Livano Kemah
Awarded for creating an exceptional pet center with structured play, enrichment activities, veterinary services, and themed experiences that strengthen community bonds.

Most Innovative Pet Marketing Campaign: The Management Group, LLC (TMG)
Celebrated for a heartwarming, pet-centered marketing campaign showcasing genuine resident-pet relationships, setting a new benchmark for pet-inclusive marketing.

Pets & Housing Policy Advancement Award: DC Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr.
Honored for groundbreaking legislation (Pets and Housing Act, “Roscoe’s Law”) eliminating pet-related housing barriers, including burdensome fees and breed restrictions, establishing a national model for pet-inclusive housing policy.

Paws & Progress Nonprofit Award: Found House IHN
Commended for their innovative program supporting families navigating homelessness alongside their pets, including the establishment of Melrose Place, a permanent supportive housing solution.

Best Leap Forward: Avilla Homes by NexMetro
Acknowledged for pioneering single-level rental homes with private yards and no breed restrictions, significantly advancing accessible pet-inclusive housing.

Vanguard Award: Dane Park Communities
Recognized for sustained excellence and leadership in pet-inclusive policies, amenities, and initiatives, making pets integral community members.

Most Pet-Inclusive Property: The Press House, MGMT Residential
Awarded for embracing full pet inclusivity with no breed or weight restrictions or pet fees, deposits, or rent, achieving a perfect Pet-Inclusive Score.

Winners were announced virtually at the annual awards event, highlighting the rapidly growing significance of pet-inclusive practices in the housing industry. Please view the award ceremony here. For more information on the Pets and Housing Awards and to learn about pet-inclusive best practices, visit petsandhousing.org.

About Michelson Found Animals

The Michelson Found Animals Foundation (MFA), founded in 2005, directly provides animal welfare services and champions pets at every point they intersect with our society. The foundation operates a range of initiatives, including grants and programs that put resources in the hands of communities in need, research that promotes pet-friendly policies, and more. Learn more at foundanimals.org.

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What Are The Trends In Apartment Labor Market?

By
John Triplett
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Total job postings in the apartment labor market were 45,953 by the end of the first quarter of 2025, marking a 6.3% decrease over last year

Total job postings in the apartment labor market reached 45,953 by the end of the first quarter of 2025, marking a 6.3% decrease compared to the previous year, according to the Apartment Labor Dynamics report from the National Apartment Association (NAA).

“Among various job categories, corporate roles were the only ones to see an increase in postings year-over-year. On the other hand, roles related to maintenance, property management and leasing experienced a year-over-year decline,” the report says.

Total job postings in the apartment labor market were 45,953 by the end of the first quarter of 2025, marking a 6.3% decrease over last year

What is causing this trend in the apartment labor market?

  • Broader economic trends and a shift in industry demands
  • Corporate roles expanding for administrative and strategic operations to navigate market challenges
  • Decline in maintenance, property management and leasing roles could be attributed to centralization and changing job functions.

Total job postings in the apartment labor market were 45,953 by the end of the first quarter of 2025, marking a 6.3% decrease over last year

Salary Trends in the apartment labor market

Despite a significant decrease in year-over-year job postings in the first quarter of 2025, advertised salaries rose nationally across major job categories.

The exception was the salary category for property managers, where median salary growth remained stable. Maintenance technicians saw a 2.2% salary increase, leasing professionals saw a 3.9% increase and maintenance supervisors experienced a 3.2% increase.

The advertised salary growth for property managers remained stable nationally. However, salaries declined sharply in Atlanta (-12.8%), New York (-5%) and Los Angeles (-1.3%), while they grew in Washington, D.C. (+0.2%) and Seattle (3.3%). This reduction in salaries in certain metro areas was driven by year-over-year declines in job postings across all major categories, indicating less competition for talent among employers.

Leasing professionals saw the highest year-over-year growth in advertised salary, both nationally and in metro areas. Los Angeles (+6%), Washington, D.C. (+10.2%) and New York (+14%) surpassed the national median annual growth.

Employer Activity

There was a 10.6% year-over-year drop in the number of employers actively recruiting.

Top Markets and Skills

Total job postings in the apartment labor market were 45,953 by the end of the first quarter of 2025, marking a 6.3% decrease over last year

The metro regions of Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington, D.C. posted the highest demand for apartment jobs in the first quarter.

Key skills in demand included customer service, property management, initiative and leadership, and effective communication. The skills reflect the industry’s ongoing focus on resident engagement, leadership skills, management and communication proficiency.

In the first quarter of 2025, the most desired skills in the multifamily housing sector were property management and communication. Property management joined the top three skills from the previous quarter, which include customer service, initiative and leadership, and communication. While employers are increasingly valuing individuals with a customer-focused mindset and abilities that improve the resident experience, expertise in property management is becoming an essential skill.

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Read the full report from the NAA here

NAA Announces 2024 Excellence Awards Winners

NAA Announces 2024 Top Employers Award Winners

Enhance leasing compliance and delivery with NAA Click & Lease, the industry’s trusted platform

Photo credit fizkes via istockimages

Is Your Apartment Playground Safe for Children?

By
By The Editors
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For apartment communities, an apartment playground is more than an amenity, it is a signal to families that children are welcome and cared for Aardvark Bark Blowing

For apartment communities, a playground is more than just an amenity, it is a signal to families that their children are welcome and cared for.

By Phil Carder

But beyond the apartment playground swings and slides, the real question every property manager should ask is: Is the playground truly safe?

While play equipment may look sturdy, the surface beneath it is often the most critical and most overlooked factor in preventing injuries. If you’re not confident that your playground surfacing meets today’s safety standards, now is the time to act.

The Season for Outdoor Play Has Arrived

As spring turns to summer, apartment playgrounds come alive with activity. Children rush outside after school, families gather on weekends, and the play area becomes a central hub of community life. This increased traffic means more running, jumping, and the inevitable falls that come with active play. Ensuring your playground surface is ready for this seasonal surge is essential—not only for the well-being of your youngest residents but also for your peace of mind.

Safe Surfacing Makes All the Difference

Most playground injuries happen because of falls, but many of these injuries can be significantly reduced with the right surface in place. That’s why so many apartment complexes turn to FiberPC from Aardvark Bark Blowing. Engineered from 100% virgin cedar, FiberPC offers a natural yet highly effective cushion that absorbs impact and helps protect children from serious harm. It compacts easily to form a stable, reliable surface that holds up over time and stays in place even with daily use.

For apartment communities, an apartment playground is more than an amenity, it is a signal to families that children are welcome and cared for

Compliance You Can Count On

FiberPC isn’t just safe, it’s officially recognized for its performance. It meets the safety standards set by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association, and it conforms to multiple ASTM specifications for impact attenuation and engineered wood fiber quality. It is also ADA compliant, which means your playground will be accessible to children and caregivers who use wheelchairs or mobility aids. Independent lab testing by confirms that FiberPC performs as promised under real-world conditions, making it a trusted choice for safety-conscious property owners.

The Hidden Risks of Non-Compliance

Overlooking safety standards doesn’t just put children at risk—it exposes your property to legal and financial consequences. An injury resulting from substandard surfacing can quickly turn into a liability issue, leading to costly claims and a damaged reputation. Staying compliant isn’t just the right thing to do for families, it’s a smart move for your business.

FiberPC Is the Smart, Safe Solution

With FiberPC from Aardvark Bark Blowing, apartment communities can install a playground surface that’s not only safe and accessible but also cost-effective and low maintenance. You’ll be showing your residents, especially families, that their well-being is your priority, all while enhancing the appeal and long-term value of your property.

Now is the perfect time to ensure your playground is ready for the busy seasons ahead. When safety matters, FiberPC is the surface you can trust.

About the author:

Phil Carder is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) with a strong commitment to creating safe, engaging environments for children. As a seasoned real estate developer and investor, he brings over a decade of experience in multifamily apartment housing and property management. Phil is the founder and owner of a successful blower truck service that specializes in manufacturing and installing engineered wood fiber surfacing, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and long-term value. His expertise uniquely bridges the gap between safety standards and real-world application, making him a trusted voice in playground safety and residential development.

Contact us now at 253-531-3441 or contact us at sales@aardvarkbark.com

The #1 bark blower and playground surface provider in Washington!

For apartment communities, an apartment playground is more than an amenity, it is a signal to families that children are welcome and cared for

Rents Up 0.4% in May but Down 0.5% Year-Over-Year

By
John Triplett
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The national rent index was up 0.4% in May, but despite rents ticking up for the fourth consecutive month, rent growth is currently slowing

The national rent index increased by 0.4% in May, but despite rents ticking up for the fourth consecutive month, rent growth is currently slowing at the time of year when it typically ramps up and apartment vacancy is growing, Apartment List says in its June report.

“Slow rent growth in May caused year-over-year rent growth dip to further negative, falling to -0.5 percent, after having gradually inched closer to positive territory over the prior six months,” the Apartment List research team writes in the report.

National average rent is now $1,398, up $5 per month compared to last month, but down $6 compared to May 2024.

The national rent index was up 0.4% in May, but despite rents ticking up for the fourth consecutive month, rent growth is currently slowing

Following a period of record-setting rent growth through 2021 and the first half of 2022, the national median rent has now fallen below its August 2022 peak by a total of 3.1 percent, or $44 per month.

At the local level, 69 of the nation’s 100 largest cities saw rents rise in May.

“That said, we continue to see fairly steep year-over-year declines in the metros that have most rapidly expanded their multifamily inventory; these include Austin (-6.3 percent year-over-year), Denver (-4.8 percent), and Phoenix (-3.1 percent),” the research team writes.

The national rent index was up 0.4% in May, but despite rents ticking up for the fourth consecutive month, rent growth is currently slowing

Multifamily vacancy rate hits 7%, a new peak

Vacancies have been opening up steadily for more than three years.

The surge in multifamily construction, which has now started to decline, has led to some of the vacancy increase.

“However, there are still over 700,000 multifamily units under construction, so even as the level of new supply hitting the market falls sharply from last year, it will continue to be robust by historic standards. As new apartment completions decline, the vacancy rate will likely begin to tighten again, but for now, we’re still seeing vacancies rise,” the report says.

The national rent index was up 0.4% in May, but despite rents ticking up for the fourth consecutive month, rent growth is currently slowing and apartment vacancy is increasing

List-to-lease time retreats from all-time high

“The shortening of list-to-lease time that we’ve seen since the start of this year is in line with the seasonal return to positive month-over-month rent growth that we’ve observed in tandem.

“Units are currently sitting vacant just one day longer than they were at this time last year, but are still sitting for eight days longer than they were in mid-2022 when the market was at its tightest,” the report says.

The national rent index was up 0.4% in May, but despite rents ticking up for the fourth consecutive month, rent growth is currently slowing

Conclusion

May’s 0.4 percent increase shows rent prices continuing to trend up, but the slowing pace of rent growth is signaling demand weakness heading into peak moving season.

“As the level of new supply coming online continues to abate, we expect to see occupancy tighten and rent growth strengthen in the back half of this year, assuming that demand remains relatively stable. But amid a more uncertain macroeconomic outlook, stable demand is far from certain,” the research team writes.

Read the full June report from Apartment List here.

Survey: Background Checks Are Top Priority in Tenant Screening

By
John Triplett
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Background checks are the most important tool in a landlord’s screening process, according to a survey of 700 landlords

Background checks are the most important tool in a landlord’s screening process, according to a survey of 700 landlords by the property-management software company RentRedi  and the real estate investment-strategy company BiggerPockets.

The survey showed that landlords use multiple sources in tenant screening. At the top of the list, 88% of respondents said they run a certified tenant-screening report, while 78% said they reach out to references and 61% said they review applicants’ social media profiles.

Background checks are the most important tool in a landlord’s screening process, according to a survey of 700 landlords

 

Highlights of the report:

  • Nearly 50% of landlords say background checks are the most important screening factor
  • References and credit scores rank significantly lower in importance
  • 88% of landlords run certified screening reports; 50% use multiple screening methods
  • Over 90% of landlords verify employment and income
  • Landlords increasingly consider lifestyle factors like pets, smoking, and social habits
  • 59% of landlords now prequalify tenants by using software, outpacing manual methods
  • More than two-thirds of landlords electronically verify tenant documents
  • 8% of landlords still don’t verify any tenant information, highlighting a gap in tools and education

Verifying employment and income is key

The survey says 91% of landlords verify an applicant’s employment, while 90% confirm income, 84% check references, 82% verify credit scores, and 78% look into rental history.

More than 60% reported verifying all of these details before making a leasing decision, highlighting just how rigorous the screening process has become for many independent landlords.

Background checks are the most important tool in a landlord’s screening process, according to a survey of 700 landlords

Pets and smoking are top issues for landlords in tenant verification

Lifestyle issues are important in rental screening; 80% of landlords said they want to know about a tenant’s pets, while 69% are concerned with smoking habits.

Forty percent said recreational drug use was an important factor to understand, and 29% wanted to know whether tenants planned to host parties—and how often. A quarter of respondents said they try to gather information on all of these lifestyle preferences when screening.

Background checks are the most important tool in a landlord’s screening process, according to a survey of 700 landlords

Read the full survey results here.

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Can I Get Tenant’s Inoperable Car Towed Off My Rental Property?

By
Hank Rossi
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Can I Get Tenant’s Inoperable Car Towed Off My Rental Property

How to get a tenant’s inoperable car towed off a landlord’s rental property is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and he is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out the form below.

Dear Landlord Hank:

I have a duplex.

The tenants have an inoperable car in the driveway that they owe a lot of money on and don’t have the money needed to get it fixed.

They’ve asked the dealer to come take it back but the company won’t do it. What are the options to force the dealer to come take it? -Sandi

Dear Sandi,

Check your lease.

In most leases there is a clause concerning vehicles that says something like this: “Vehicles must be currently licensed, owned by tenant, registered, operational and properly parked. Vehicles not meeting the above requirements are unauthorized vehicles subject to being towed at tenant expense.”

This is tenant responsibility.

I would ask your tenants to contact the dealer to tell them to remove the car or that it will be towed, and not only will the dealer not be receiving any more money on this car, he won’t have the car either.

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/

Editor’s note: Check your local and state regulations on issues such as this as it varies across the country.

As a child, Hank Rossi sometimes helped his father take care of the family rental-maintenance business.  In the mid-’90s he got into the rental business for himself. After he retired, he started a real-estate brokerage business with his sister that focuses on property management and leasing. Visit his website: https://rentsrq.com.

 

Ask Landlord Hank Your Question

Ask veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi your questions from tenant screening to leases to pets and more! He provides answers each week to landlords.

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How to get a tenant's inoperable car towed off a landlord's rental property is the question this week for Landlord Hank
Landlord Hank Rossi says, “This is tenant responsibility. I would ask your tenants to contact the dealer.”

How To Handle Ugly Feud Between Two Sets of Tenants?

Tenants Pouring Grease Down Sink And Flushing Paper Towels

Do You Know The 5 Questions Landlord Hank Asks Tenants When They Call?

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Photo credit photovs via istockimages

Colorado Gov Signs Critical Pet-Inclusive Housing Bill into Law

By
John Triplett
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Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed H.B.25-1207, a pet-inclusive housing bill removing barriers to housing for pet owners

Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed H.B.25-1207, a pet-inclusive housing bill removing barriers to housing for pet owners, according to a release.

The pet-inclusive housing bill will end insurance-based breed discrimination, expand pet-friendly affordable housing, and support housing stability for vulnerable populations in the state.

“We are laser-focused on saving Coloradans money on housing, and this new law ensures that families will not be forced to decide between beloved furry family members and housing,” Polis said in a release.

“This bill strikes the right balance on making sure Colorado can continue to promote more housing now and keep families together with their pets,” Polis said.

“Our pets are more than just indoor animals. They are family. This new law honors that bond by keeping Colorado families together with their beloved pets when they search for housing,” said Colorado First Gentleman Marlon Reis, an animal rights activist.

The bill was supported by the Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP).

“Restrictive rental housing pet policies are not just a nuisance—they are a leading cause of housing insecurity and pet relinquishment,” Ross Barker, Director of the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative at MCPP, said in a release.

“This legislation marks a pivotal step toward addressing these issues and will be a game-changer for pet-owning renters. By prioritizing pet-inclusive housing and eliminating outdated breed-based insurance discrimination, Colorado is leading by example and affirming what so many of us already know: pets are family, and no one should have to choose between a roof over their head and a beloved pet,” Barker said.

Polis also signed HB25-1180 – prohibiting pet animal sales in public spaces.

“We want Colorado to be the best state in the country for Coloradans and pets to live and thrive. These bills will help animal shelters and rescues and increase support for enforcing high animal welfare standards across the state. Coloradans love our animals, and through the new income tax check-off, anyone can donate while filing taxes to protect pets and farm animals from cruelty, neglect, and during emergencies like fires and floods,”  Polis said in the release.

“The work of protecting animals is, by nature, teamwork. It happens at the community level. It means standing up and speaking out for animals when they’re in trouble and can’t defend themselves. It means looking at every possible avenue by which we can support and uplift animals – and that’s exactly what these bills do,” Reis said in the release.

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Renting by the Room: A Landlord’s Experience

By
By The Editors
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 Renting by the room: David Pickron shares his experience and the hard-fought wisdom he came away with trying to maximize rental income.

Renting by the room: David Pickron shares his experience and some of the hard-fought wisdom he came away with trying to maximize rental income.

By David Pickron

I finally did it!  After meeting with the experts, recording podcast episodes about it, and talking it over for months, I dipped my toe into the “rent-by-the-room” market.

Since you are reading this, you know I survived, but not without some lessons learned.  Like any good person who lives to tale the tale, below I share my experience and some of the hard-fought wisdom I came away with… so buckle up.

Renting by the room

As a curious landlord and one who has tried just about every way to fill a vacancy, I entered the realm of renting out two of my properties by the room in an effort to maximize rental income in a local high-demand area.

By leasing individual bedrooms rather than the entire unit, I hoped  to charge a higher combined rent, diversify my income streams, and minimize the financial impact of a single vacancy.

While appearing financially advantageous on the surface, I anticipated a host of challenges and risks that I knew I could not underestimate.

And so I began.

When the listings went live, I immediately had interest. Not having done this before, I was unprepared for exactly what came next.

I was marketing a three-bedroom unit and a two-bedroom unit, both in the same community.  I’ll address each property separately.

The three-bedroom unit

Because the rent would be split three ways, the per-room fee was marginally less than that of the two-bedroom unit and immediately drew more interest.

For the sake of anonymity I will reference the applicants as A1, A2, and A3.

A1 came in first and was anxious to see the property. Immediately there were some red flags that went up, and I took notice.

This unit has a two-car garage and A1 wanted complete use and control of the entire space, of course with no additional cost. When I asked why, there was no good reason other than they wanted full control.

I expressed that that wasn’t possible with the parking restrictions in the community and A1 saw this as a deal breaker and withdrew interest.

A2, after seeing the unit, brought their own set of questions. They wanted to ensure that in every storage space, pantry, shelf, etc., that they would be guaranteed a one-third of use.  While reasonable to me, I told them I couldn’t guarantee that and that it would need to be managed by the occupants.

A2 withdrew interest in the property at this point. With two strikes against me, I was losing hope.

A3 came along and you guessed it, I struck out. There were questions that could not be answered to A3’s satisfaction and they left the property in search of another option, and I left the property rethinking my strategy.

The two-bedroom unit

As only two occupants would share this space, the per-room rent was a few hundred dollars higher per room.

I had a totally different experience with this unit.

The first individual to come through was excited about the prospects of the property. They were happy with the garage, shared space, and cost. I offered a $200 one-time fee if they could find an individual to take the other room. And much to my surprise, they found a friend through social media to occupy the other room.

This was a successful strategy for me. My search was over almost before it began and I have my first-ever shared-room property occupied by two really satisfied tenants.

Renting by the room requires more management

Communal living adds one more complexity to your management style.

When you rent to one person, they become the “boss” of the property. When you rent to several individuals, you remain the boss and become responsible for helping resolve any issues that arise between the multiple individual tenants. If that doesn’t appeal to you, then this might be something you take a pass on.

In full disclosure, after a few weeks on the market, my three-bedroom unit finally rented out.

I had a single individual come to see it with the potential of sharing with two other tenants. But after considering everything, they decided they wanted the entire property to themselves.

So here I am again, back to the tried-and-true method of renting one property to one tenant.

I’m glad I ventured out, but there is something comfortable about using the model I’ve grown so accustomed to after 30- plus years of investing.

If you are considering renting by the room as an option, you can request my top recommendations to consider adding to your lease at info@rentperfect.com.

About the author:

 Renting by the room: David Pickron shares his experience and the hard-fought wisdom he came away with trying to maximize rental income.
David Pickron

David Pickron is president of Rent Perfect, a private investigator, and fellow landlord who manages several short- and long-term rentals.  Subscribe to his weekly Rent Perfect Podcast to stay up to date on the latest industry news and for expert tips on how to manage your properties.

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Importance Of Power Of Attorney When You Own Rentals

By
By The Editors
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Whether you own one or multiple rental properties, a power of attorney is a key component in your estate planning portfolio.

Whether you own one or multiple rental properties, a power of attorney is a key component in your estate planning portfolio.

By John J. Stromberg
Warren Allen LLP

Power of Attorney in General

A Power of Attorney takes effect on its execution date, remains in effect if you become incompetent and financially incapable, and expires when you pass away. Alternatively, a Power of Attorney document can set forth an earlier date upon which the authority granted therein will terminate.

Your Power of Attorney “Agent”

 Your “Agent” is the person designated in your Power of Attorney to manage your estate if you become incompetent or financially incapable. An Agent can be someone close to you, such as a spouse, child, or parent. However, rental property owners may more prudently choose a business partner or another rental industry expert as the Agent. The designated Agent should ultimately acknowledge their duty by signing a certification and acceptance of authority.

Authority Granted in Power of Attorney

 Agents have authority to handle matters ranging from business operations, claims and litigation, taxes, and real property transactions. For rental property owners, the Power of Attorney document can describe how your Agent should manage your assets to keep things running smoothly.

Transferring Assets to a Trust through Power of Attorney

 A Power of Attorney can simplify the transfer of assets into a trust by enabling your Agent to transfer those assets on your behalf. For example, if you’re unable to finish funding your trust due to an unforeseen severe accident, the Agent can make the necessary transfers for you. If a Power of Attorney is not in place before you become incompetent or pass away, the remaining assets not already in the trust may need to progress through the probate process.

Power of Attorney Compensation

 Your Agent is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable costs incurred in exercising their powers outlined in your Power of Attorney. Reimbursement of these costs may come from the assets your Agent is managing while you are incapacitated.

A Power of Attorney is a crucial component in any rental property owner’s estate planning toolbox. While every detail and circumstance surrounding a Power of Attorney cannot be addressed in this article, please feel free to contact John Stromberg by email (stromberg@warrenallen.com) or phone (503-255-8795).

About the author:

Whether you own one or multiple rental properties, a power of attorney is a key component in your estate planning portfolio.
John Stromberg

John Stromberg assists clients in domestic relations, estate planning, and civil matters. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Willamette University College of Law and attended the University of Oregon for his Bachelor of Arts degree. John Stromberg has experience litigating civil and divorce cases involving estates worth millions, as well as litigation for highly contentious custody, parenting time, and spousal support matters. He is a current member of the Multnomah Bar Association Service to the Public Committee and has appeared at events informing the local community of available domestic relations resources.

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How To Handle Ugly Feud Between Two Sets of Tenants?

By
Hank Rossi
-
How to handle an ugly on-going feud between two sets of tenants is no fun so how best to handle it is the question this week.

A feud between tenants is no fun so how best to handle it is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and he is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out the form below.

Dear Landlord Hank:

How do we handle an ongoing, ugly feud between the two sets of tenants in our duplex?

An escalating feud has been brewing for several months, where our tenants argue about everything from when to use the laundry room, how to rake leaves in the yard or how to dispose of waste, etc. Both parties constantly call and text my husband, asking him to take their side and tell the other party that they are in the wrong. They take videos of each other in the yard, supposedly showing their neighbor committing some transgression, and send those to my husband as “proof.”

From our perspective, neither set of tenants has been very courteous or respectful to the other, and we don’t want to concern ourselves with these petty arguments. However, I am worried because both parties have called saying, “I think they are going to kill me!” It seems that both sets of tenants are trying to get us to evict their neighbors, and constantly ask us to “do something.” Last week my husband told the tenant who had just called him, “If you really feel like your neighbor is threatening you, then call the police. Because my hands are tied and I can’t do anything with this situation.” Then the other tenant called and said she had just hired a lawyer.

To my understanding, unless a tenant turns to physical violence or intentionally damages their neighbor’s property, there’s nothing we can do. Or is there? We are just sick and tired of the constant calls, texts and videos, we feel like we’re being harassed! Any advice is appreciated, thank you.

–Victoria

Dear Victoria,

I would outline all the conflicts and issues you are aware of, along with any resolution or lack thereof, and include both tenants with this information via text, email and print a copy and attach to their doors.

If a tenant threatens the other resident, gets aggressive with them or the tenant feels like they may be in danger, then you should call the police and be there when they show up.

You as the landlord are obligated to keep your tenants safe from other residents, and you should consider what is best for both tenants.

It sounds to me that it would be best if both tenants find a new place to live.

Then you could start over with new tenants, making sure that the new tenants are aware they are obliged to live in peace with their neighbors. I would ask the tenants together to find a new place to live and give them a timeline to be out that is reasonable, and ask them to try to ignore their neighbor during this time.

If they refuse to move voluntarily, then I would evict.

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/

Editor’s note: Check your local and state regulations on issues such as this as it varies across the country.

As a child, Hank Rossi sometimes helped his father take care of the family rental-maintenance business.  In the mid-’90s he got into the rental business for himself. After he retired, he started a real-estate brokerage business with his sister that focuses on property management and leasing. Visit his website: https://rentsrq.com.

 

Ask Landlord Hank Your Question

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How to handle an ugly on-going feud between two sets of tenants is no fun so how best to handle it is the question this week.
Landlord Hank Rossi says, “I would ask the tenants together to find a new place to live and give them a timeline to be out that is reasonable.”

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