It sounds you have really been taken through the ringer. Hopefully some valuable lessons about befriending tenants were learned. It can be a fine line of being friendly and being actual friends with tenants. One of the golden rules for landlords if they are dealing with actual friends is to refer them to other landlords rather than rent to them yourself.
As for good tenants, they are out there, it just points out how important it is for landlords to do some quality screening. I have some tips for that on the site here, if you need more information though feel free to contact me. thanks for sharing your story!

2 Improvements or revisions in the interior?
It is one thing to paint, but removing tiles? So I had granted permission on certain patterns. But upon check found small tiles under cupboards, put on unprofessioanly which will have to be stripped. Big job and money! Watch what you allow your tenant to do. Never allow your tenant to make changes that you’ll regret and pay for later!
3 Excuses for not allowing your entrance into property:
The shower stall had to be replaced – urgent matter, but every attemp and plan to bring in plumbers was delayed and stalled, cause she had company coming… didn’t suit the tenant. When the tenant pressed for job to get started plumbers were booked, when they were available tenant had excuses. After 1 month of this roller coaster ride, she called at her time to do the project. I called on a contractor, who rippied the stall out, but accidentally broke a water pipe – leaving me with an emergency entry.
A plumber tended to the matter, but now the job had to be tended to. The tenant’s friend was going to do it, but upon interviewing him learned he did not have the qulifications to tackle this. I turned to my back-up and professional contractors. The tenant was very angry (no doubt she and her friend d had in mind a $ deal). I told her under no uncertain words – this is urgent – I will walk in Mon a.m. the project will be under way, irregardless of her excuses! Mon afternoon plumbers launched in, and had started when the tenant got defient and said she wanted no workers in the house. I said the job will go on. She started to get violently angry threatening to call police, city etc, which I ignored. Then the most horrid thing – 4 workers saw her lose it. SHE CAME DOWNSTAIRS, SHOOK HER FINGER IN MY FACE AND TOLD ME TO LEAVE (I AM HER LANDLADY!!) I IGNORED HER, AND SHE SAID “I’LL F__ EN WELL THROW YOU OUTMYSELF!” THE GUYS LOOK ON WITH HORROR, AND WERE READY TO DO A ‘LOCKDOWN WHILE SOMEONE CALLED THE PoLICE -HANDCUFF AND REMOVE HER. THOUGH SHE DIDN’T TOUCH ME, I DECIDED TO LEAVE.

4 EVICTION
the biggest problem i’m concerned about is making it stick! I am thankful for this website – I have learned a lot about the quick procedure in removel. I will in advanced go to RTDRS to apply and get a head start, all I care about is to get this manic out of sight!

5 Safe? yes I dropped all projects until tenants are removed to ensure the safty of my crew.

6 Beware of excuses:
What is the renant hiding – when in doublt find out. I learned later there is the boyfriend, not on the lease. Suspicsion has it he has taken up residence with her, and also instigated this rival.
GOOD TENANTS ARE HARD TO FIND IN CALGARY!
.-= Meghan´s last blog ..By: Bill Biko =-.

It’s been a great property, I will send you an email with more info.

Regards,