Tenants from Hell — NOW What? A Property Manager’s Guide to Surviving the Chaos (and Laughing Through It)
Let me start by saying this: no tenant is perfect. Some pay like clockwork but act like they’re in charge of the HOA. Others are always a little late with the rent but treat the place better than I would. Being a property manager in Brunswick, Maine (and yes, we see it all), I’ve learned that landlord life is 90% people management and 10% plumbing emergencies.
But then there are the ones I affectionately call “Tenants from Hell.”
Let me tell you a few stories. (Names changed to protect the guilty… mostly.)
The Case of the Reclining Toilet
Let’s call him “Zach” — because that’s not his real name, and I value my insurance premiums. Zach leaned back on the toilet tank like it was a La-Z-Boy. Cracked the tank clean in half. He genuinely had no idea that this wasn’t standard practice. His downstairs neighbor? Woke up to a ceiling light filled with water — said it looked like a “fishbowl with a lightbulb.”
To his credit, Zach was mortified. He helped with cleanup and paid for the damage. Lesson learned? Always explain that toilets are for sitting, not reclining.
The Fire Pit Under the Oak Tree
Then there was the tenant who thought it was a great idea to put a fire pit on a wooden deck — under a massive oak tree. Nothing like creating a backyard vibe and a forest fire hazard. When I asked what made him think this was okay, he said, “I didn’t think the fire would get that big.”
Spoiler: it did. Thankfully, we caught it in time. New lease clause added: No open flames unless you’re lighting a birthday candle.
The Piglet Situation
And who could forget the family whose kids won a baby pig at the Topsham Fair? Adorable, right? Until it’s living in your tenant’s kitchen.
“But it’s small,” they said. “And clean!”
Sure. Until it’s not. I had to gently remind them that farm animals weren’t covered in the pet agreement — and definitely not in a duplex.
The Reality of Tenants
These stories are funny now, but in the moment, they were stressful, messy, and expensive. And here’s the truth:
Most tenants are just regular people trying to live their lives.
They forget things. They get comfortable. Sometimes, they push the boundaries. Often, all they need is a firm but fair reminder of the lease terms and a little guidance on how to be a good neighbor.
But then there are tenants who either can’t or won’t follow basic safety rules, pay rent on time, or respect others living in close quarters. And when reminders, conversations, and second chances don’t work…
…You Might Have to Evict
Eviction is a last resort. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally exhausting for everyone involved.
But here’s the process in Maine:
- Notice to Quit — Usually 7 to 30 days depending on the reason (nonpayment, lease violations, etc.). NOTE – you must serve a Form CV – 256
- File for Forcible Entry and Detainer in court if the tenant hasn’t left.
- Sheriff Serves Notice to Appear (summons) — The sheriff delivers the court summons to the tenant.
- Court Appearance — The judge hears both sides. If you win…
- Writ of Possession — Issued by the court.
- Sheriff Serves Writ — The sheriff serves the writ on the tenant, who then has 48 hours to vacate the property. After which the property is legally yours. NOTE – you must pay attention to Abandon property laws if anything is left AND make sure to follow security deposit laws as well!!
This is not the ideal route, but sometimes necessary to protect your property, your sanity, and the other tenants who follow the rules.
Final Thoughts
Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent. It’s about balancing empathy with enforcement. You learn to distinguish between the “Zachs” of the world (who just need a little guidance) and the ones who need to move along before they burn your deck down or start a petting zoo.
Property management is a people business. And sometimes, people are weird. Just make sure your lease is tight, your communication is clear, and your sense of humor is intact.
Because someday, you’ll look back and laugh. Just… maybe not while you’re mopping up toilet water.
BUT, if you have one of these situations and you would like some guidance or would like to retain us to deal with the situation, please reach out and we will be able to help.