Past Due Rent: Colorado Springs

[Brandon Rivera]

I just had a couple of quick questions. How long past the rent late date should one start on the pay or quit and eviction process? Are there other steps to take that could possibly help the situation before taking it there? I'm curious because they are new tenants, but I don't want this to start becoming a habit.

[Bill S.]

@Brandon Rivera so the place to start is your lease or rental agreement. Personally, I don't have a grace period in my lease. I collect rents via a debiting service so if the money isn't there for the debiting service, I post notice of late rent immediately. You get what you require. 

I see no benefit of waiting for ANY period of time outside what is called for in the rental agreement and as I said my rental agreement has no grace period.

I will contact them 1 time via text or email and offer to waive the late fees if rent is paid THAT day (2nd of the month) directly to my bank account. If the money is not in my account by end of the banking day (6 pm), I post notice that day. I file the first day I can if I haven't been paid not matter what promises are made and I tell them that up front. If they pay before court I call the court or attorney and have the case dismissed.

Lest you think I am harsh. Sit down and figure out home much money rent is each day. Know that if for some reason they can't or won't pay, that is how much money you are losing each day you wait to get them out. 

Act NOW. There is no reason to wait and hope they pay rent.

If you wait and don't act you will likely be chasing rent for their whole tenancy. Not fun.