Common Tenant Complaints and How to Handle Them Professionally | Boca Raton Property Management

Florida PMServices • October 23, 2020
Common Tenant Complaints and How to Handle Them Professionally | Boca Raton Property Management - Article Banner
Sometimes, tenant complaints are annoying, but there are also times in which what they’re saying is valid and worthy of an apology and a commitment to making things right.

Tenant complaints always require a professional response, no matter how petty or irritating you may find them. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the most common issues we see tenants struggling with, and how you can respond to them.

Maintenance Issues are Ignored

Tenants don’t like to continue paying rent when there are things in their home that are broken or failing. Surely, you can understand that.

It’s important that you take every maintenance request seriously. Respond to it as soon as you can and if it’s going to take some time for you to prioritize that particular need, make sure you explain this to tenants. If you tell them why it’s going to take two weeks instead of two days, they’ll likely be understanding.

One of the main reasons tenants leave their rental property at the end of a lease term is a failure of their landlords to respond to maintenance. This is a terrible way to lose a good tenant. Take care of things that are broken or aging at the property. Not only does it prevent future complaints from tenants – it preserves the condition of your investment.

Lack of Communication from Landlords

Another major complaint tenants have is that they can’t get their landlords to respond to their messages or phone calls. We know you’re busy – everyone is. However, if you ignore your tenants, you run the risk of damaging your relationship. You don’t have to pick up the phone every time they call. You do have to respond when there’s a concern or they need help. Even if you can’t solve the problem yourself, direct them towards other resources or support networks that can help. Don’t leave them hanging.

Rent Increases and Hidden Fees

Like you, tenants are protective of their money. They don’t want to may more than they have to for anything, including housing. When you raise the rent dramatically every year, you’re going to lose tenants. If you’re nickel and diming them and charging a separate fee for things like parking, online payments, and correspondence, you can expect complaints.

Rent increases are to be expected, but don’t chase away good tenants with unreasonable rent hikes. Make the payment of their rent easy by offering online payments, electronic transfers, and single payments instead of separate bills for rent, water, pets, and trash.

Professional Boca Raton Property Management

Professional Boca Raton Property Management

The best way to manage your tenant relationships and to avoid complaints and disputes is to work with a professional Boca Raton property management company. When you have property managers taking care of the leasing, maintenance, and tenant relations, you won’t have to worry about phone calls, emails, and requests for help. Your property managers will be your buffer, and a good management company will make sure your tenants are well-served and having an excellent rental experience. 


We can help with your Boca Raton tenants. Contact us at Florida Property Management Services. 


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By Florida PMServices May 18, 2025
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By Florida PMServices October 13, 2024
In the world of property management, insurance is one of the critical elements that ensure both the landlord’s and the property management company's protection from potential risks and liabilities. One of the common practices in property management is for the management company to be named as an "additional insured" on the landlord’s liability insurance policy. But what exactly does this mean, and what requirements must be met for a property management company to be added as an additional insured? This blog will delve into what it means to be an additional insured, the benefits and coverages it provides, and the steps involved for a property management company to be included in a landlord’s liability insurance. What is an Additional Insured? An "additional insured" is a person or entity that is covered under someone else's insurance policy. In the context of property management, this means that the property management company is protected under the landlord's insurance policy in case of claims or lawsuits related to the management of the property. By being named as an additional insured, the property management company receives many of the same protections as the landlord, particularly when it comes to liability claims. For instance, if a tenant or visitor is injured on the property and decides to file a lawsuit, both the landlord and the property management company could be named in the lawsuit. If the property management company is listed as an additional insured, the insurance policy will provide coverage for both parties in defending against the claim, thus reducing the property manager’s potential exposure to financial loss. Why Should a Property Management Company Be Added as Additional Insured? Adding a property management company as an additional insured is a common industry practice and offers several advantages for both landlords and property managers. Protection Against Liability Claims: One of the primary reasons to add a property management company as an additional insured is to protect them from potential liability claims. Since property managers are responsible for handling various aspects of the property, from repairs and maintenance to tenant relations, they are at risk of being named in lawsuits. As an additional insured, the property management company is shielded from these risks and can rely on the landlord’s insurance policy to handle claims related to their activities. Risk Mitigation: Having a property management company named as an additional insured helps mitigate risks for both the landlord and the property manager. It ensures that there is adequate coverage for potential claims that could arise from the property’s day-to-day management. This reduces the likelihood of disputes between landlords and property managers over who is liable for a particular claim, streamlining the process for addressing legal matters. Cost Savings: If a property management company is added as an additional insured, they do not need to carry separate liability insurance for that specific property. This can result in cost savings for the management company, which can be passed on to landlords in the form of reduced management fees. Of course, property management companies must carry their own general liability and professional liability insurance policies but being named as additional insured on a landlord's liability policy avoids the need of carrying a liability policy for that specific property which results in savings of operating costs and therefore provides the abiity for the management company to pass on those savings to the landlord in the form of lower management fees. What Coverages are Provided When a Property Management Company is Named as Additional Insured? When a property management company is added as an additional insured, they receive coverage for a wide range of potential claims and liabilities, including: General Liability Coverage: This is the core coverage that a property management company benefits from as an additional insured. General liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that occurs on the rental property. For example, if a tenant trips and falls due to a poorly maintained stairway, and both the landlord and property management company are sued, the insurance policy will cover the costs of defending the lawsuit, as well as any potential settlements or judgments. Property Damage Claims : If damage occurs to a tenant’s property or personal belongings due to the negligence of the property manager (for instance, a leak that was not promptly repaired), the additional insured coverage can protect the management company from liability. Legal Defense Costs: In the event that a property management company is sued, the insurance policy will cover legal defense costs, including attorney fees, court costs, and any other related expenses. This is particularly important as legal fees can quickly add up, even if the property manager is ultimately not found liable. Errors and Omissions (E&O): In most cases E&O coverage is provided as a separate liability policy that is obtained by the property management company at no cost to the landlord Requirements for Adding a Property Management Company as Additional Insured  For a property management company to be added as an additional insured, several steps and requirements need to be met: Landlord Consent: The landlord must first agree to include the property management company as an additional insured on their insurance policy. This is typically negotiated as part of the property management agreement. It is in the best interest of both parties, as it ensures comprehensive coverage for any incidents that occur on the property. Endorsement: Adding a property management company as an additional insured usually requires an endorsement to be added to the landlord’s existing policy. This endorsement officially extends the coverage to include the management company. The landlord must request this endorsement from their insurance provider, and there may be a small fee associated with adding it. Policy Limits and Coverage Types: It is essential that the landlord’s policy has adequate limits and the right types of coverage. Property management companies should ensure that the policy includes sufficient general liability coverage, as well as coverage for property damage, bodily injury, and other risks specific to the management of rental properties. Verification and Documentation: Once the property management company is added as an additional insured, it is important to obtain a certificate of insurance (COI) from the landlord’s insurance provider. This document serves as proof that the management company is covered and can be kept on file for reference. Property managers should periodically verify that the coverage remains active and up-to-date, particularly when policies are renewed or if the landlord changes insurers. Adding a property management company as an additional insured on a landlord’s liability insurance policy is a crucial step in mitigating risks and ensuring comprehensive protection for both parties. By understanding what additional insured status means, what coverages it provides, and the steps involved in obtaining this coverage, property management companies can better protect themselves from potential liabilities and provide landlords with greater peace of mind. For landlords, including their property management company as an additional insured is a relatively simple process that can prevent costly legal battles and ensure seamless management of their rental properties. As with all aspects of property management, clear communication and well-defined agreements are key to protecting both parties and ensuring the long-term success of the property management relationship.
By Florida PMServices September 13, 2024
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