Tenant Forged My Signature

[Johnny Mack]

So the story gets better. I’m evicting a tenant and I avoided the judge and came to an agreement for the tenant to move out in 45 days. However, the tenant called themselves suing me with wild claims, as I flipped through the paperwork I saw a lease similar to mine with small differences, but most of all the signature is nothing like mine, neither is the notary stamp. I admit, 3 years ago on my first and only property I googled a PA compliant lease, made some changes and used it, so it was easy for the tenant to find. The tenant dropped the suit. But I would like to press charges. What is my next step? Go to the precinct, or hire a lawyer. Thanks for any help once again.

[Greg M.]

You can file a police report and hope they care enough to do any investigating. Then you hope the DA cares enough to file charges. Odds of either happening are small. 

You can file suit against the tenant for your damages. What are your damages? What did the fraud cost you? Probably nothing but a little time and aggravation.

Report the notary to whichever authority regulates them in your city/state. They need to have their license taken away. 

Move on in life and forget about this lowlife.