Strategy to get money back

[Brianna H.]

Good morning, BP! 

We recently completed a renovation on our rental home. The contractor told us the work would take 10 days to complete, but it actually took 2 months. Anyways, he promised us that he would pay us for one month's rent to make up for it. The payments were made through a renovation loan, so I never personally handed him any money. 

Now, I'm not stupid and I knew that I was taking his word for paying us. He received the final payment, and I have been trying to contact him through e-mail, text, phone with no answer...DUH! 

I'm looking for any advice on how to get him to follow through on his word. I realize there is a chance that he will not pay, but he seems like the type of guy that is a man of his word and I'm willing to try. Thanks in advance!

I also need an itemized receipt from him so that I can get my taxes in order. Do you think I could bring an officer to his office to get this from him?