Small Claims Court or Collection Agency for owed rent?

[Lisa G.]

I need to collect owed back rent from my tenant that did not pay May rent and skipped out on some utilities that we are responsible for, about $2000.

He refused to give me a forwarding address, but I do know where his brother lives (next to the rental), where he works, and where is wife/soon-to-be ex-wife lives.

Has anybody has success with either? Pros/Cons of each? I realize I may have to eat the loss, but I'm researching my options. Thanks.

[Account Closed]

Turn it over to a collection agency and give them 50% to collect.

Joe Gore