Inherited Tenant Late on Rent

[Robert Kemp]

Hey everyone, I recently purchased a triplex I’m house hacking in St. Pete where I inherited a tenant in one of the units. She paid the first month’s rent on time. However, she’s late on her second month’s rent and gave me a heads up that she’d be a bit late and will accept any fees on the 1st day of the month. I’ve charged her with the fees and a second set a of fees will be charged on the 15th but my lease states I have the right to take legal action of course. Also, upon me taking over she mentioned that she’s getting an ESA when I spoke about the no pets policy. I mentioned I’ll just need proper documentation and I saw the cat in the window last week… without and documentation for it. 

How would you go about handling this situation? I currently am also trying to rent out the other unit as well. Thank you in advance. 

[James Back]

File for eviction and move on.  If it is starting the first month then you will likely get a story like this every month.  I wouldn't even bring up the cat, just move forward with eviction due to non payment of rent.