Tenant avoiding paying last month's rent - Landlord Forum thread 360837

Tenant avoiding paying last month's rent by Paul on September 14, 2020 @12:19

The tenants of this property have been paying throughout the lease, but they have lied at times about causing damages that cost me, even according to contractors and law enforcement. The spouse received a promotion, but they were required to move to another city. I have extended the lease 3 times (3 month each) due to COVID, because the employer delayed their move. Now they are for sure moving, and September is their last month. They have yet to pay the rent, and they say it is due to the spouse that was promoted got sick and was out of work for a while. They were just approved for COVID-related FMLA a week ago, but they have been evasive/unresponsive when I ask about the plan. The last I heard they were waiting for the FMLA COVID-related pay, but HR should be able to provide them with a time the pay should come through. We would not feel so insecure if it weren't for the past lies and the strange unresponsiveness.

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Re: Tenant avoiding paying last month's rent by Garry on September 16, 2020 @20:57	[ Reply ]

Give them a 3 day notice to pay rent, or quit, NOW. That starts the legal process. File in court as soon as your state's laws allow. You have nothing to lose at this point. ONLY converse with them in writing----letters, texts, emails----NO phones or in-person. Next, you can only wait for the end of Sept. to come. Tape a notice on their front door on Sept 29, telling them you will be entering their home 48 hours later, on Oct 1, to see if they are gone. Take a witness with you, along with a camera. If they stop you at the door, they haven't left yet. If you do go in, and they are "mostly" gone, take pics of whatever is left, before you move anything. Open up closets, kitchen cabinets, and refrig, to show what they left you. Then just total up what they owe you in rent, damages, and legal costs, subtract off their deposit, and sent them the SD statement within 30 days. Of course, if they are still there on Oct 1, then you start your state's eviction procedures for non-payment of Sept rent.

Re: Tenant avoiding paying last month's rent