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User Stats

4
Posts
0
Votes
Kevin Navarro
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Atlanta, GA
0
Votes |
4
Posts

Looking for Lawyer to Collect Owed Rents

Kevin Navarro
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Atlanta, GA
Posted

Hello, I’m looking for an affordable lawyer who is willing to get money owed to the property management company that I work for from previous tenants. We have already been awarded possession of the properties through the eviction process, but currently have no representation to go after the money the tenants owe. Any recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

User Stats

768
Posts
1,192
Votes
Stuart Udis
Pro Member
#2 Buying & Selling Real Estate Contributor
  • Attorney
  • Philadelphia
1,192
Votes |
768
Posts
Stuart Udis
Pro Member
#2 Buying & Selling Real Estate Contributor
  • Attorney
  • Philadelphia
Replied

@Kevin Navarro My advice is to move on but wouldn't the money go to the property owner, not the PM? Also in many municipalities you can seek possession or back rent or both but you very well may be in a municipality that has separate legal proceedings for back rent once possession is awarded but you should verify if that's the local norm. Nevertheless,  let's say you go through the process of securing  judgments against the former tenants. Then what? How do you convert that judgment into a cash that's deposited into a bank account? The last part is the most difficult part and why you likely won't find an attorney willing to take this matter on a contingent fee basis meaning you will be paying out of pocket for a judgment that very well may be worth as much as the piece of paper its issued on. Be glad you have possession and focus on securing better quality tenants moving forward. 

  • Stuart Udis
  • [email protected]
  • User Stats

    4
    Posts
    0
    Votes
    Kevin Navarro
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Atlanta, GA
    0
    Votes |
    4
    Posts
    Kevin Navarro
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Atlanta, GA
    Replied

    @Stuart Udis Yes, you are correct- the rents would go to the owners. We're trying to recover lost rents from the tenants to hopefully ease the financial burden put on our owners and to retain a reputable brand. I understand that these situations will happen from time to time, but I'm just shooting a shot in the dark here. I've reach out to a few attorneys and they've said pretty much what you have said. I just wanted to make sure I was doing my due diligence by bringing this to the my friends in the BP community. I truly appreciate your input on this!

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    User Stats

    768
    Posts
    1,192
    Votes
    Stuart Udis
    Pro Member
    #2 Buying & Selling Real Estate Contributor
    • Attorney
    • Philadelphia
    1,192
    Votes |
    768
    Posts
    Stuart Udis
    Pro Member
    #2 Buying & Selling Real Estate Contributor
    • Attorney
    • Philadelphia
    Replied

    Yep, as a general rule of thumb (with limited exceptions) claims seeking monetary relief without insurance carrier cooperation are rarely worth the pursuit. Back rent collection falls within this general category.  I am sure your clients appreciate your efforts. Perhaps you offer a discount on re-leasing fees or something along those lines. Those kinds of gestures go a long way in solidifying relationships.

  • Stuart Udis
  • [email protected]
  • User Stats

    4
    Posts
    0
    Votes
    Kevin Navarro
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Atlanta, GA
    0
    Votes |
    4
    Posts
    Kevin Navarro
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Atlanta, GA
    Replied

    Great suggestion! Thank you again :)