late rent tenant advice

[Zaid Tillma]

My tenant is not communicating to me about the rent - It is late by 10 days and so far have been sending polite emails & text once every other day.

I do not want drama, and want to take the next step. I would like the tenant to pay or leave. The tenant usually deposits a check at my bank through a check (per lease agreement). Lease calls for a late fee.

I am in georgia - I have sent a Late Rent Notice through email and gave them 24 hours to pay up (already 10 days late). I believe the next step is to issue a "Pay or Quit Notice". I would appreciate some advice from some one in GA if I am missing something. 

Would you advice that I go through the eviction process on my own (would like to know how much I should expect to pay and if there are recommendations on who to call).

To clarify - I want to get the tenant to pay (any scary letters I can send?) and not necessarily evict them.

[Curt Davis]

@Zaid Tillma

Are you a new investor or own less then 4 homes?  You need to look at this as your tenant is stealing from you.  I learned one important rule and still live by it to this day, " Either you will train the tenant or the tenant will train you".  

Self managing is to going to not be successful if your soft.  You should consider turning over to a mgmt company.  Get the eviction process going.  Usually when they are served they usually pay up as they know you are not playing around.  If hey dont pay follow through with the eviction. 

Good luck