Tenants skiped out-no notice/abandon now?

Tenants skiped out-no notice/abandon now? by Shel (California) on June 18, 2012 @16:52

Tenants had uncle on lease since he was going to be the one paying the rent each month, but not living there, that we know of. Tenants asked for maintenance to be done, the rent had not been paid, but once we arrived, the place is a mess and they are gone- they had used our place for growing pot. Uncle does not want legal problems, but he has not paid the rent either - I sent a e-mail to let him know where we stand with the lease that does not expire till 10/31/12. He said he would be responsible with all the cost to clean the place as long as we have it done. We would like to get this re-leased ASAP, but are not getting any replies to the demand for the late rent/plus late fees, what should we do? Our lease is very detailed and everyone had their signature notarized.

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Re: Tenants skiped out-no notice/abandon now? by The Dude (MN) on June 18, 2012 @17:08	[ Reply ]

Well, first off, don't hesitate on getting it cleaned up and ready for the next tenant. I'm assuming the uncle was one of the notarized signatures and you can legally go after him for the rent. If so, just tell him what he owes. If he doesn't respond, send him a certified/delivery confirmation letter with the same info detailing you will take him to small claims court. If he doesn't respond, do just that. I don't know what else to tell you honestly. You can get the past rent, late fees, cleaning fees, and any fees related to you re-leasing the place. Normally a judge will see 2 months as reasonable time to re-lease and if you don't in that period, the judge won't give you any more. He is on the hook until you re-lease, however. Sorry I can't give you any more solid information. Sounds like you'll just have to take him to court.

Re: Tenants skiped out-no notice/abandon now? by Jake on June 18, 2012 @17:36	[ Reply ]

Before you clean anything you need to make a police report and name the uncle as the tenant.

Re: Tenants skiped out-no notice/abandon now? by NY-LL on June 18, 2012 @19:25	[ Reply ]

The landlord will likely receive better results by filing a police report and request investigation by the district attorney in order to press criminal charges against all the lease occupants. Advise the lease occupants of the landlord’s intentions to file criminal complaint if payment for damages and past due rent is not received within a week. Also, file a formal eviction, so there is a record in landlord tenant court of the eviction of the lease occupants.

Re: Tenants skiped out-no notice/abandon now? by Mo (Wa) on June 19, 2012 @12:56	[ Reply ]

I would not contact the police and I would not list the uncle as a tenant as he was not a tenant. Some times the lack of integrity shown by LL is pathetic. If they were growing pot they were likely cooking meth and you may be opening up a can of worms that will clost you thousands to clean up or even have your rental boarded up. How do you know they were growing pot ? Is it still there ? You might want to have someone check the rental before you start cleaning up to make sure you dont become ill from any chemicals they may have used. If there arent any just clean it up and sue all of them as suggested.