Tenants move into a building that was roach free, and that I renovated from top to bottom myself. And boy was it a lot of work and money and elbow sweat.

They then proceed to not clean up sinks, leave open garbage in apartments, store crumpled soda cans in closets, not clean the grease on their stoves, and on.

Viola, roaches.

They then complain about the roaches. Some threaten to move out unless something is done. Nobody has money for an exterminator, even though it was in the lease.

I finally hire an exterminator after one of them was actively moving out furniture.

After the whole building is treated, they move out, anyway. OK.

The rest continue to live like slobs, and tell me I have no right to tell them how to live.

Now I regularly treat for roaches, because it is a lot less hassle and stress than dealing with the tenants. Because if I don't, I can't keep tenants in the building. I bought the chemicals the exterminator used, and just do it myself Every 6 months, or when a new tenant complains. Some actually clean their apartments in advance of me spraying, which definitely helps.

But now they are complaining, because I am going into their apartments, to treat the roaches! "This kind of constant crap (going into our apartments) is why people are leaving", one says. After asking for two additional weeks to clean their apartment in advance of me spraying.

I'll just leave all that here. If anyone feels inclined to critcize me over it, take a number and get in line.

I've been lucky in that I have very rarely had tenants with pets. But my feeling has been that with pets, roaches might skyrocket in a rental building. Because not only are there the usual slob tenants (70% of them) but the pet owners also leave pet food and water bowls out to feed them.

You have a multi unit so you are responsible for the roaches, yes?

You are allowing your tenants to walk all over you still.

They want the roaches gone but you can't go in the building to do your thing. That's crazy talk right there.

I know you say it is hard to get people to fill your place but wow, you are working for them. Plus they are treating you horribly.

Time to somehow save up the money to have an empty building for a bit. Clean it all up and start making sure your new tenants are worthy of living in your place.

In home visit before they bring the roaches to your place. Plus have your bug guy give you paperwork stating the place is bug free. I used to do this. Worked wonderfully. Then as soon as something happens get the bug guy back in to determine where the bugs started. They can usually do that unless you wait too long. Sue for eviction, take the bug guys paperwork with you.

Sounds like you could get a W2 and be treated the same except you would be making money instead of spending it.

I’ve had the same problem in a multi that was completely roach free before one young couple moved in. Nice couple but poor housekeeping. I’m not sure, but maybe they brought them in with furniture.