tenant not paying. whats next step?

[Mike Wallace]

Last month my tenant paid half the rent with promises to pay me the remaining half in 3 days. He paid another portion, but was still short $50 on total rent.

This month (november) I told him full payment had to be in by the time the bank closed on the 5th. ( my tenants deposit rent in my bank account). He failed to do so, with no response from my text message.

He has been there for 10 months and never had a problem before.

Whats next?

[Luke W.]

Find out your state's eviction process. The next step would most likely be to go post a notice to pay or quit on the door, then wait the lawful number of days before filing for eviction. However, if you are wanting to try to work it out with the tenant then you may just give them another call or knock on the door. However, I wouldn't let them give you a story. If you don't have it, take the necessary steps. Even if you do choose to work something out, post the notice for a "cya", that way you can file for eviction the minute you get fed up with it.