Top Tenant Complaints and How to Solve Them

June 30, 2025

Top Tenant Complaints and How to Solve Them

Key Takeaways

• – Responding quickly to tenant concerns helps protect your property and your reputation
• – Common complaints like maintenance delays, poor communication, and pest issues are easier to handle with the right systems in place
• – Respecting privacy, addressing safety concerns, and keeping shared spaces clean can go a long way in keeping tenants happy
• – Clear communication and consistent follow-through are key to building long-term tenant relationships

Unhappy tenants lead to higher turnover rates, frequent vacancies, and costly repairs. Addressing complaints promptly and professionally is not only a sign of good management but also a strategy that protects a landlord’s bottom line.

Are you aware of the most common issues tenants face, and more importantly, are you prepared to handle them efficiently? Landlords who ignore tenant concerns or fail to implement proper solutions risk losing reliable renters and gaining a negative reputation. Understanding these complaints and how to resolve them is essential.

J. Butler Property Management put together this article to help landlords understand top tenant complaints and how to effectively resolve them, saving time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Common Tenant Complaints and How to Solve Them

Maintenance Delays

One of the most common tenant complaints is slow or unresponsive maintenance. When a tenant reports a leaking faucet, broken heater, or faulty electrical outlet, they expect quick action. When repairs are delayed, it causes frustration and can lead to more significant property damage.

Solutions

• – Establish a clear process for maintenance requests.
• – Have a dedicated communication channel, such as email or a phone number, for tenants to report issues.
• – Respond within 24 hours to acknowledge the request, even if the repair cannot be completed immediately.
• – Work with licensed and reliable contractors who can handle both routine and emergency repairs efficiently.
• – Keep tenants informed of timelines so they know what to expect.

Poor Communication

Tenants often report that landlords are difficult to reach or fail to provide updates. This can create confusion and mistrust, especially when it involves lease terms, maintenance, or emergencies.

Solutions

• – Set clear expectations for how tenants can communicate with you.
• – Use email, phone, or even a tenant portal if available.
• – Respond promptly and professionally to all inquiries. Even if you do not have a full answer, acknowledge the tenant’s message and let them know you are working on it.
• – Regular communication, such as notices for inspections or policy changes, also builds trust.

Pest Infestations

Pests such as rodents, cockroaches, and bed bugs can make a property feel unlivable. If not handled promptly, tenants may decide to leave or even withhold rent in extreme cases.

Solutions

• – Conduct regular inspections and preventive pest control treatments.
• – Make sure tenants know how to report pest problems as soon as they notice them.
• – Respond quickly and use professional exterminators to handle infestations.
• – Educate tenants on cleanliness and trash disposal practices to help prevent pests from returning.

Lack of Privacy or Unannounced Entries

Tenants value their privacy. One of the biggest complaints is landlords or maintenance staff entering the unit without proper notice.

Solutions

• – Respect local laws regarding notice before entry.
• – Landlords must give tenants at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the unit, except in emergency situations.
• – Always provide written or verbal notice and explain the reason for entry.
• – Schedule maintenance and inspections at times convenient for the tenant when possible.

Security Concerns

Feeling unsafe in a rental home is a major concern. Complaints often include broken locks, poor lighting in common areas, or no security systems in place.

Solutions

• – Perform regular checks of locks, doors, and windows.
• – Install outdoor lighting in parking lots and pathways.
• – If needed, consider security cameras or hiring a patrol service for multi-unit properties.
• – Address all security-related concerns seriously and promptly.

Noise Complaints

Loud neighbors, barking dogs, or construction noise can make a tenant’s life difficult. Repeated disturbances can push good tenants to move out.

Solutions

• – Include a noise clause in the lease agreement and enforce it fairly.
• – Investigate all noise complaints and communicate with both parties involved.
• – If the noise is from external sources such as construction, inform tenants of the schedule and expected duration.
• – In multi-unit buildings, consider soundproofing measures if complaints are frequent.

Unreturned Security Deposits

Tenants often complain about delays in receiving their security deposit or disputes over deductions. This leads to dissatisfaction and legal issues in some cases.

Solutions

• – Conduct a move-out inspection with the tenant present, if possible.
• – Take photos to document the property’s condition. Provide a detailed list of deductions along with receipts if required by law.
• – Return the deposit within the timeframe mandated in your state.
• – Clear guidelines in the lease about what affects deposit returns can also reduce disputes.

Inconsistent or Unfair Rule Enforcement

Tenants may complain if rules are not enforced consistently across all renters. They may feel targeted or treated unfairly.

Solution

• – Enforce lease terms consistently and document all interactions and violations.
• – Make sure the rules are clear in the lease and communicated to all tenants equally.
• – Avoid making exceptions for some tenants while penalizing others for the same issue.

Utility Issues

Problems such as inconsistent heating, cooling, or water supply are common. These can significantly affect the comfort and satisfaction of tenants.

Solutions

• – Ensure that all utilities are in good working order before a tenant moves in.
• – Conduct seasonal checks on HVAC systems, plumbing, and water heaters.
• – If a tenant reports a utility issue, prioritize the repair and provide updates on progress.

Cleanliness of Common Areas

In shared properties, complaints about dirty hallways, stairwells, or shared laundry areas are common.

Solutions

• – Schedule regular cleaning and maintenance of all shared spaces.
• – Post cleaning schedules or updates so tenants know when to expect service.
• – Encourage tenants to report any messes or maintenance issues in common areas so they can be addressed quickly.

Bottom Line

Tenant complaints are a natural part of managing rental properties, but how a landlord responds makes all the difference. Most issues can be avoided or resolved through clear communication, prompt action, and consistent policies. By understanding and addressing the top concerns tenants face, landlords can improve tenant satisfaction, reduce turnover, and maintain their properties more effectively.

J. Butler Property Management specializes in helping landlords manage these common challenges. Our team handles everything from maintenance coordination to tenant communication and property inspections. Our team keeps your properties in top condition while maintaining a high level of tenant satisfaction.

If you’re a landlord looking to reduce complaints and improve tenant retention, contact J. Butler Property Management today. We handle the day-to-day management tasks, allowing you to focus on expanding and strengthening your rental portfolio.