yep evictions suck, but giving them free rent sucks more!

Never wait to start an eviction. Start the process. It protects your rights in the event they don't follow through with their word to pay. Once you get the reputation of being a landlord that lets late payments slide and lets tenants go over a month without paying, you're in trouble (I've been there). You need to understand and your tenants need to understand that it's a business. If they don't pay the rent you can't pay your bills. Would your mortgage company just let you go a month without paying your mortgage without consequences?

@Shane Waller right now the tenant is so far behind they won't catch up. I agree to meet with them. No mater what they promise or even if they give you money but not all money owed, post the 3 day notice. There is likely a form for this that is required by your local court system. You have to use the correct form and fill it out correctly. It's not hard but you have to do it right. That is the first step in the eviction process. If they don't respond to that (pay up), file for eviction. Since you seem unfamiliar with evictions, hire an attorney for this. You want to find the local attorney that specializes in evictions (if you are in a larger area there may be two or three. If you can see local court records on line that is the easiest way to find them. Ask other local landlords is also a good way. These attorneys know the system inside out and know the people (judges and clerks).

eviction sucks. It's expensive but in this case you have to do it.

I used to own 7 apartment complexes, around 2,500 units, and evictions was part of my every day business. Tenants have so many rights and the eviction process can be expensive and stressful. My recommendation is to offer him a few buck to move out and tell him that you understand that he is going through a hard time and see if he can voluntarily move out. A large percentage of tenants that I filed for eviction ended up trashing the apartment which cost me thousands. Eviction process can take months and there are those who know about eviction laws more than attorneys. Wish you luck. Attached is a blog I recently wrote about owning rental properties and evictions. [REMOVED]

@Shane Waller Text messaging is not a good way to contact the tenant just go and talk to the renter in person and see if you can work things out. Joe Gore

Have you tired the 5 or 3 day (whatever your state does) pay or quit letter to see if that triggers a positive reaction.

my first rental (landlord by default) I accepted the first person who walked in and said they would take it house was filthy and I was in the middle of working on it. (I was young and dumb). They are late EVERY month, for the last 3 years.... but they always pay. The reason they always pay is because I make it very obvious that I will be at their door every night, sometime multiple times a day, texting and calling, their work included, I will show up. To ensure everyone knows they are late on rent. I get the money every time. but its work. I send evection notices once they hit about 20 days late. Ive even had it served by the Sharif ( small fee in my county). In my opinion, go overboard on contacting them. make it obvious that they owe you money and they have your attention. meanwhile proceeding with the eviction. make sure its obvious that you are proceeding with the eviction. My rentors are actually decent renters, its just everyone and a while they test the limits, that is when I "go overboard". 2 more years then i can sell this property for a loss i can afford to take. cant wait.

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Updated over 10 years ago on 12/24/2014. Most recent reply

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Shane WallerPoster

Real Estate Investor
Nashville, NC

General Landlording & Rental Properties

Should I evict??

Shane WallerPoster

Real Estate Investor
Nashville, NC

Posted September 13, 2014 07:53

So one of my renters are over a month past due w/ $375 plus are now 10 days past due for this month. Total amount owed now is $975. They promised to pay total amount due on 9/12, but I still not heard from them. I have sent a text to ask if they have the money and they have not responded. Should continue to contact them and try to get any portion of what's due? Or just go ahead and pursue eviction Monday? Looking for options to try and work it out b/c at least they keep things clean. But this is becoming a habit every month w/ them being later and later.

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