Won the judgement... now what?

[Ashly B.]

Took a tenant to court for money judgement. First time I've ever done this. She didn't file an appeal or show for the hearing. It was filed this morning stating defendant owes plaintiff $X,XXX with interest plus court costs (not defined amount) and that the defendant should make arrangements to pay the plaintiff directly. That was it. How do I actually go about collecting now? Do I report back to the court when/if she pays? I don't even have her current address now that she's moved - should I send an email with the judgement with court costs added in and how she can make payments? Is there a next step after a designated amount of time or they can just not pay with no repercussions? I'm in Iowa if that's relevant. 

[Christopher Smith]

Not to throw cold water on things, but I've had two tenants stiff me in my time as landlord (20 yrs) and honestly there is not much practically that can be done about it.

If someone is so derilict that they won't pay, and worse yet they won't even show up to court to defend there actions and reputation what are you going to do? Unless the amounts are unusually large, hiring an attorney can't be cost justified. A collection agency likely won't dedicate much effort to it either.

It's really more of a live and learn process, screen prospective tenants very carefully, enforce late payment clauses religiously, and when you see a tenant going bad cut your losses early.