Eviction? Texas

[Cynthia Long]

We have a tenant who moved in with his family November 17th. He paid his deposit and first month rent but the December rent he was $100 short. He said he would have it to me Monday, which was fine. But he never showed up. We have emailed and texted saying he needed to pay his $100 and additional $50 late fee but have not heard anything back. What are the next steps I should take in order to get our money? I am very concerned that this is happening in the beginning. Thanks for the advice in advance!

[Miguel L.]

I'm currently experiencing a similar situation with a tenant who has several months of being late with the rent and late fees. I consider myself an understanding landlord, and I have communicate so to the tenant, yet the reaction has been not to communicate or have the common courtesy of explain the late payment. You have to take control and file a Notice Of Termination of Right of Occupancy. The form is self explanatory and the delivery procedures you can check in the Texas Property Code, chapter 24. Good luck.