Evict Someone who in Prison

[Ray Jimenez]

Hello BiggerPockets,

I need some advice on a current situation that I am currently handling out in NJ. I currently have a section 8 tenant who's currently incarcerated for legal issues that I won't get into at this moment. I recently received a letter from section 8 stating that they will no longer be paying there portion due to the tenant incarceration. My question is it easier to go through the eviction process or pay the tenant sibling so they can leave my property? 

[Account Closed]

One thing I did a couple times, was to tell them I'd give them their full deposit if they left by such and such and left the place clean, and then I'd hand them their deposit check as they handed me the keys, and I verified the place was empty.  Then immediately change the locks.  And I mean, have the new deadbolt and your tools in your hands and do it right then.

They didn't always clean really well, but at least they'd get rid of most of their junk.