It’s not pleasurable, but certainly, every once in a while renters violate the terms of their lease in practices that result in a fine. There are plenty of reasons why a renter may risk being fined and a lot of violations could provoke a fine. But take note, disregarding the situation, fining for renter violations is a delicate business that is easy to get wrong. It should only be done after all other methods of communication have been exhausted, and the renter has refused to properly comply with the lease agreement. Let’s go over several common reasons a Buena Park property manager may fine a renter, best practices for doing so, and some important pitfalls to avoid.
When a Renter Violates the Lease
Perhaps the most prevailing reasons for fining a renter is after they’ve violated the terms of their lease agreement. This could be anything, but generally composes:
- Late rent
- Unauthorized pet
- Unauthorized occupant
- Unauthorized vehicle
- Noise violation
- Failure to provide an updated or renewed insurance policy
- Property damage caused by renter negligence
Working on lease violations can be tedious because you want to always ensure that the fine is fair and proportional to the offense. It’s imperative to have clear language in your lease as to what will cause a fine and how much those fines will be. Penalties should as well be consistently enforced for all renters, not just selectively applied.
Best Practices for Fining a Renter
After reviewing your lease terms completely to see to it that your renter has violated them, you should first secure evidence of the lease violation. This can be completed through pictures, written statements from other renters or witnesses, and documentation of any previous communication with the renter about the breach.
When you have collected evidence, the next step is to issue a warning to the renter and allow them to correct the behavior. The only exception is late rent; late fees or fines related to late rent payments can normally be applied without warning.
If the renter does not hold to this and comply, a fine can be issued according to the terms of the lease agreement. Make use of official communication methods such as a certified letter or email to inform the renter of the fine and how it will be collected. It is imperative to document all communication and actions taken if the dilemma escalates and legal action has to be pursued.
Pitfalls to Avoid
It’s imperative to mention that fining a renter should never be used as a form of retaliation or harassment. Fines should only just be issued when they are fair and vital to enforce the lease terms.
Fines should also be consistent – not arbitrarily issuing them to particular renters but not others. This can develop into a hostile living environment and lead to plausible legal complexities. Overall, fines should scarcely be taken advantage of and only as a last resort to secure the safety and well-being of all renters and the Buena Park property itself.
Furthermore, it’s principal to follow all state and local laws regarding rent increases, late fees, and other rental regulations. Failing to do so could provoke unacceptable legal consequences.
Fining renters should never be the first resort, nonetheless, every once in a while it is vital to secure a safe and compliant living environment for all renters. By grasping well the reasons and best practices for fining a renter and avoiding potential pitfalls, you can conventionally manage lease violations and maintain a positive relationship with your renters.
Working with renters who violate their leases can be toilsome and time-consuming. Contrary to just going it alone, assess and try calling in the experts at Real Property Management Caliber to help! We impart a full range of property management services, freeing you from the hassle and unpleasant business of fining renters. To learn more, contact us online.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
