Evict tenant or wait for rental assistance?

[Jimmy Chao]

I have a tenant in eviction right now. My property manager confirmed they have recently applied for rental assistance. And my lawyer says I should definitely get it when the assistance come. But we don't know how long it will take.

Next court date is in a few days, and lawyer is asking whether we want to work with tenant or move forward with eviction. Tenant owes over 5 months of rent. What would you do here?

[Mohammed Rahman]

Hey @Jimmy Chao - I'd err on the side of caution and move ahead with eviction process. I was in a similar situation waiting for NYS ERAP for a tenant, they're notoriously backed up and after several months... my tenant's file was denied. The longer your tenant stays in the property, the longer they'll feel it's the standard way you run your business. Over 5 months of unpaid rent, I'm sure you've already considered a cash-for-keys quick deal with the tenant already? 

Good luck.