3strike:
So I have been thinking lately about how best to handle / manage Naija tenants in a very peaceful way and then I decide to open this thread. I Think this thread can help us to rub mind(s) and discuss ideas that can help prevent /solve tenant issues as well as how to manage our tenants effectively so as not to run into losses. Every property owners should be able to relate to what am saying here

Is there a management style that is currently working for you? We will like to know.


Respectfully

3strikes!!!


Where are the Landlords?

lastpage:
Have you not heard that when you see a Landlord and Tenant playing Lovey-Dovey ...... something is just not right!
The "peace" between those two, in most cases, is usually temporary! One wants to collect money owed him legitimately, the other thinks he is not supposed to pay such money or that such money is an entitlement for him to become "Lord" over the landlord!
There is no "peaceful way" to deal with a bad tenant!

My nice tenants get gifts, at the end of the year. They know they can rely on me to deal with any "neighbourhood trouble" on their behalf.
I also help/encourage them to buy land and 'build something' for themselves. I have done a few "Tenant house warming" over the years.

Then there are the "Stubborn-He-Goats" amongst them.
They think they are smart and can play "games' with my rent and property!
Some have even threatened to live in my property for years without paying rent, saying they will continue to bribe the Court Registrar, to keep adjourning the Eviction process, .....if l take them to court!

Well, for such ones, l let them know that l am not a Landlord by chance! Courts are a waste of time!
I be proper "Ijebu man" wey learn from "elders" for yonder.

By the time one Tenant started having strings of calamity, one after another........ it wasn't long before his Pastor advised him to do "deliverance" for his entire family and leave that house!

If na to put "Agbaa'no" inside im purse, ....one financial problem or the other, we get am
if na to invite sickness or make him prone to sudden "accidents" like breaking legs/arms/shoulders by falling on a harmless staircase, we get am
If na to make his nightmares so bad that fighting in Sambissa forest will look like Boy-Scout jamboree, we get am
If na to use Agadangodo to "lock im car" so tey mechanic will begin to wonder whether it was the same oyinbo that did the car or not, we get am!
If na to touch am with "very tiny" madness, wey im go begin speak to imself, we get am.

Since im no wan commot my house and im no wan pay me, then he must be prepared to "eat and dine with the Devil", as long as im remain in that house.
One foolish man from yonder even go call Police (upon say im no wan commot my house peacefully) say im dey see strange things around his entrance door!
I asked the Police to charge me to court so that he can present his evidence to a Judge..... but it appears he is the only one seeing the "strange things"!
I therefore put it to the Police that he is beginning to suffer "mental disorder" and should be sent to a Psychiatrist!
But ofcourse, that was the purpose of the whole exercise sha. Just "small touch" of madness!
he moved out within three weeks ...but l collect every kobo im owe me before allowing him to escape.

So Bros, depending on the location and type of tenant, the measures are usually different.
Some sef, na to organise Boyz to always vandalize im vehicle, every alternate week days, for im to know say, he is no longer wanted in that area.

There was a time we had one "Baba" who was a rent Collector. If he visits you to collect rent, just make sure the rent is ready, when he comes back otherwise the person's household will "change" from that day! Fadeyi-Oloro sef na child's play compared to this evil Baba!
Man died in a ghastly car accident on his way back to Ilorin, after finishing some nasty work.

But l tell you, if you have a good tenant who takes care of your property like their own, who pays his or her rent as at when due and generally behave themselves, you need to treasure that tenant and even give then a "break" at times. I have a few like that.

More "orthodox ways" include using Housing/Property Agents like JJJide TTTTaiwo, DDDDayo FFFatimehin..... but be assured that those guys will trick and cheat you out of your rent at most times, if you are not extra vigilant, especially the former one l mentioned
They will rent out your property and not even inform you at all. They will increase your property's rent, wont tell you and keep the excess! I have seen cases like that so often.

Eitherway, the very nature of "Landlord and Tenant" relationship, is like that of a Cat and Mouse,.... the survival of one, may lead to the death of the other (figuratively speaking) !


Lastpage!

lastpage:
Have you not heard that when you see a Landlord and Tenant playing Lovey-Dovey ...... something is just not right!
The "peace" between those two, in most cases, is usually temporary! One wants to collect money owed him legitimately, the other thinks he is not supposed to pay such money or that such money is an entitlement for him to become "Lord" over the landlord!
There is no "peaceful way" to deal with a bad tenant!

My nice tenants get gifts, at the end of the year. They know they can rely on me to deal with any "neighbourhood trouble" on their behalf.
I also help/encourage them to buy land and 'build something' for themselves. I have done a few "Tenant house warming" over the years.

Then there are the "Stubborn-He-Goats" amongst them.
They think they are smart and can play "games' with my rent and property!
Some have even threatened to live in my property for years without paying rent, saying they will continue to bribe the Court Registrar, to keep adjourning the Eviction process, .....if l take them to court!

Well, for such ones, l let them know that l am not a Landlord by chance! Courts are a waste of time!
I be proper "Ijebu man" wey learn from "elders" for yonder.

By the time one Tenant started having strings of calamity, one after another........ it wasn't long before his Pastor advised him to do "deliverance" for his entire family and leave that house!

If na to put "Agbaa'no" inside im purse, ....one financial problem or the other, we get am
if na to invite sickness or make him prone to sudden "accidents" like breaking legs/arms/shoulders by falling on a harmless staircase, we get am
If na to make his nightmares so bad that fighting in Sambissa forest will look like Boy-Scout jamboree, we get am
If na to use Agadangodo to "lock im car" so tey mechanic will begin to wonder whether it was the same oyinbo that did the car or not, we get am!
If na to touch am with "very tiny" madness, wey im go begin speak to imself, we get am.

Since im no wan commot my house and im no wan pay me, then he must be prepared to "eat and dine with the Devil", as long as im remain in that house.
One foolish man from yonder even go call Police (upon say im no wan commot my house peacefully) say im dey see strange things around his entrance door!
I asked the Police to charge me to court so that he can present his evidence to a Judge..... but it appears he is the only one seeing the "strange things"!
I therefore put it to the Police that he is beginning to suffer "mental disorder" and should be sent to a Psychiatrist!
But ofcourse, that was the purpose of the whole exercise sha. Just "small touch" of madness!
he moved out within three weeks ...but l collect every kobo im owe me before allowing him to escape.

So Bros, depending on the location and type of tenant, the measures are usually different.
Some sef, na to organise Boyz to always vandalize im vehicle, every alternate week days, for im to know say, he is no longer wanted in that area.

There was a time we had one "Baba" who was a rent Collector. If he visits you to collect rent, just make sure the rent is ready, when he comes back otherwise the person's household will "change" from that day! Fadeyi-Oloro sef na child's play compared to this evil Baba!
Man died in a ghastly car accident on his way back to Ilorin, after finishing some nasty work.

But l tell you, if you have a good tenant who takes care of your property like their own, who pays his or her rent as at when due and generally behave themselves, you need to treasure that tenant and even give then a "break" at times. I have a few like that.

More "orthodox ways" include using Housing/Property Agents like JJJide TTTTaiwo, DDDDayo FFFatimehin..... but be assured that those guys will trick and cheat you out of your rent at most times, if you are not extra vigilant, especially the former one l mentioned
They will rent out your property and not even inform you at all. They will increase your property's rent, wont tell you and keep the excess! I have seen cases like that so often.

Eitherway, the very nature of "Landlord and Tenant" relationship, is like that of a Cat and Mouse,.... the survival of one, may lead to the death of the other (figuratively speaking) !


Lastpage!

gabbytabby:
@lastpage it is a funny world in the letting world. Of recent a shop let came with an agency of 10k from me and the agent tried to collect 45k. At the point I got to know about the discrepancy tenant had already paid 30k and they were trying to get my agent to withold key until balance of 15k was paid.

I just called the tenant and gave vacant possession..

There was the managing agent that was collecting 5k application before showing flat such that void period was over extended..

I do try to get tenant to pay directly into my account but they collect from tenant and pay what they want to pay

They will even tell the tenant what lie to tell you about their livelihood and you are then stuck with rent continuity issues.

I do agree with lastpage that most are bad payers some even when they obviously have it.

if I am on ground I start with a rent and/or service charge default list which I paste in a conspicuous part of the premises. Failing that it's eviction notices after which its either mediation or the court. There is also the police route so far that was initiated by the tenant but it still got the desired effect of eviction.

I might personally get to test out both mediation and courts by self representation. It would be interesting to find out how the system works.

I am told that tenants do get involved in voodoo and black magic it's not my thing but if I get a sense that it might be at play all bets are off.

Tenant tell lies so as much as possible get evidence.

Keep a professional distance from tenants familiarity does breed contempt. Associate with other landlords in the area. There is a them and us mentality.

gabbytabby:
@lastpage it is a funny world in the letting world. Of recent a shop let came with an agency of 10k from me and the agent tried to collect 45k. At the point I got to know about the discrepancy tenant had already paid 30k and they were trying to get my agent to withold key until balance of 15k was paid.

I just called the tenant and gave vacant possession..

There was the managing agent that was collecting 5k application before showing flat such that void period was over extended..

I do try to get tenant to pay directly into my account but they collect from tenant and pay what they want to pay

They will even tell the tenant what lie to tell you about their livelihood and you are then stuck with rent continuity issues.

I do agree with lastpage that most are bad payers some even when they obviously have it.

if I am on ground I start with a rent and/or service charge default list which I paste in a conspicuous part of the premises. Failing that it's eviction notices after which its either mediation or the court. There is also the police route so far that was initiated by the tenant but it still got the desired effect of eviction.

I might personally get to test out both mediation and courts by self representation. It would be interesting to find out how the system works.

I am told that tenants do get involved in voodoo and black magic it's not my thing but if I get a sense that it might be at play all bets are off.

Tenant tell lies so as much as possible get evidence.

Keep a professional distance from tenants familiarity does breed contempt. Associate with other landlords in the area. There is a them and us mentality.

lastpage:
Have you not heard that when you see a Landlord and Tenant playing Lovey-Dovey ...... something is just not right!
The "peace" between those two, in most cases, is usually temporary! One wants to collect money owed him legitimately, the other thinks he is not supposed to pay such money or that such money is an entitlement for him to become "Lord" over the landlord!
There is no "peaceful way" to deal with a bad tenant!

My nice tenants get gifts, at the end of the year. They know they can rely on me to deal with any "neighbourhood trouble" on their behalf.
I also help/encourage them to buy land and 'build something' for themselves. I have done a few "Tenant house warming" over the years.

Then there are the "Stubborn-He-Goats" amongst them.
They think they are smart and can play "games' with my rent and property!
Some have even threatened to live in my property for years without paying rent, saying they will continue to bribe the Court Registrar, to keep adjourning the Eviction process, .....if l take them to court!

Well, for such ones, l let them know that l am not a Landlord by chance! Courts are a waste of time!
I be proper "Ijebu man" wey learn from "elders" for yonder.

By the time one Tenant started having strings of calamity, one after another........ it wasn't long before his Pastor advised him to do "deliverance" for his entire family and leave that house!

If na to put "Agbaa'no" inside im purse, ....one financial problem or the other, we get am
if na to invite sickness or make him prone to sudden "accidents" like breaking legs/arms/shoulders by falling on a harmless staircase, we get am
If na to make his nightmares so bad that fighting in Sambissa forest will look like Boy-Scout jamboree, we get am
If na to use Agadangodo to "lock im car" so tey mechanic will begin to wonder whether it was the same oyinbo that did the car or not, we get am!
If na to touch am with "very tiny" madness, wey im go begin speak to imself, we get am.

Since im no wan commot my house and im no wan pay me, then he must be prepared to "eat and dine with the Devil", as long as im remain in that house.
One foolish man from yonder even go call Police (upon say im no wan commot my house peacefully) say im dey see strange things around his entrance door!
I asked the Police to charge me to court so that he can present his evidence to a Judge..... but it appears he is the only one seeing the "strange things"!
I therefore put it to the Police that he is beginning to suffer "mental disorder" and should be sent to a Psychiatrist!
But ofcourse, that was the purpose of the whole exercise sha. Just "small touch" of madness!
he moved out within three weeks ...but l collect every kobo im owe me before allowing him to escape.

So Bros, depending on the location and type of tenant, the measures are usually different.
Some sef, na to organise Boyz to always vandalize im vehicle, every alternate week days, for im to know say, he is no longer wanted in that area.

There was a time we had one "Baba" who was a rent Collector. If he visits you to collect rent, just make sure the rent is ready, when he comes back otherwise the person's household will "change" from that day! Fadeyi-Oloro sef na child's play compared to this evil Baba!
Man died in a ghastly car accident on his way back to Ilorin, after finishing some nasty work.

But l tell you, if you have a good tenant who takes care of your property like their own, who pays his or her rent as at when due and generally behave themselves, you need to treasure that tenant and even give then a "break" at times. I have a few like that.

More "orthodox ways" include using Housing/Property Agents like JJJide TTTTaiwo, DDDDayo FFFatimehin..... but be assured that those guys will trick and cheat you out of your rent at most times, if you are not extra vigilant, especially the former one l mentioned
They will rent out your property and not even inform you at all. They will increase your property's rent, wont tell you and keep the excess! I have seen cases like that so often.

Eitherway, the very nature of "Landlord and Tenant" relationship, is like that of a Cat and Mouse,.... the survival of one, may lead to the death of the other (figuratively speaking) !


Lastpage!

adeekiti:
From my own experience, I advice every landlord to engage a lawyer in any of their deal with a tenant especially when the landlord is not living in same building rented out. And a regular visitation/meeting on that property is advised. I've seen a tenant who will not pay his rent after using 7months without payment of his shop rent and when he knows the owner is around, he will be hiding from the owner..the lawyer knows how to handle the strongheaded tenants

gabbytabby:
@mavverick

I insist on direct payment to my account as it allows an opportunity to monitor stuff like rent charged and increment. It also allows for payments to agents to be on completion of some milestone. Tecnicall photo of tenants, application received, agreement signed, and due diligence

I do get involved at a level and have gone as far as visit to former/current landlord and place of work.

Most agents don't like direct to landlord payments they would like to keep you in the dark for as long as possible. When I am in 9ja tenant and I meet or speak and I insist direct payment to my account. I do discover that where the agent charged more agency snd agreement than what I stipulated they collect money from tenant and deposit my rent.

If I was based in 9ja I will manage myself. I do a better job with due diligence and rent default. I have not suggested monthly as its better for me that they get paid when I do.

@3strike you no go get tenants if you operate your system. It still does not guarantee continuity.

mavverick:
Oga Ade.
How far..

So getting lawyer involved, is that what legal fee is all about ? and who pays for lawyer ?
Also, I know that most agent like to say that dont worry we have our own lawyer bla bla bla.

I thought commercial is a bit tougher than residential, if you dont pay for your shop, landlord after going through some legal process can just take over the shop and auction the contents to cover rent. Correct me if i am wrong here o.

mavverick:
Hello Madam.

Is this for first rental payment or subsequent ones ? I would like to know how you deal with the very first one. The subsequent one should be a little easy, by that time one would have built up some kind of rapport unless the T decides they do not want to pay.

Where do you involve lawyers in the whole process ?
How to you manage your managing agent ? Everybody need to be managed, even agent self.

gabbytabby:




@3strike you no go get tenants if you operate your system. It still does not guarantee continuity.

3strike:



Gabbytabby,

Honestly don't you think its better to try to screen the potential tenants very well before giving them the keys to the flats?. As they say "a stitch in time saves nine"

And Yes am with o. Tenants must pay directly to my Bank Account. No exception!

gabbytabby:
Screening you must do its just that even agents collude with them and provide references and relations. I tend to concentrate on validity of work information and current landlord. If no corroborating info or gut feeling says false info I decide to investigate further or just say no.

Now I have decided if they tell me they are currently living at home no current landlord, I will pass as often times they do not want you to contact current landlord.

As time goes on you get better at the codes.

twinskenny:


some tribe can be trouble. i wont mention name though

lonzo:
Helol House I need advice

My mother just informed of one of her tenants who has refused to pay his last year rent. When he moved in 2014 he didn't complete his rent, he owed 30k and the rent of 2015 he hasn't paid which made his total rent owed to be 280k as at now. The Major issue now is the 2015 rent is due March and by April he is suppose to pay for 2016. And she explained to me that this man has made no attempt to pay. She has spoken with him and sent letters or reminder. Mind you my Mother said she was considering the man's plight as a family man . Please should she serve theQuit notice to this tenant. And the 6months Notice I want to ask is it free or the tenant pays for the 6months used. Please advice as she wants me to come and intervene. I really don't know much of Property issues.

Await your replies.

Thanks

adeekiti:
The 6month given is just for the tenant to prepare him/herself for a new place which won't be paid for, anything after the six month and he's still living in that apartment then you can charge him/her to court.. U can issue the quick notice,

3strike:



So tenant will stay 6 months without paying rent abi?......is that what it is?

twinskenny:
yes baba. That's the law

twinskenny:
yes baba. That's the law

3strike:



So tenant will stay 6 months without paying rent abi?......is that what it is?

twinskenny:
yes baba. That's the law

lonzo:
Helol House I need advice
My mother just informed of one of her tenants who has refused to pay his last year rent. When he moved in 2014 he didn't complete his rent, he owed 30k and the rent of 2015 he hasn't paid which made his total rent owed to be 280k as at now. The Major issue now is the 2015 rent is due March and by April he is suppose to pay for 2016. And she explained to me that this man has made no attempt to pay. She has spoken with him and sent letters or reminder. Mind you my Mother said she was considering the man's plight as a family man . Please should she serve theQuit notice to this tenant. And the 6months Notice I want to ask is it free or the tenant pays for the 6months used. Please advice as she wants me to come and intervene. I really don't know much of Property issues.
Await your replies.
Thanks