Tenant hasn't put water bill in her name yet. Going on 3 months!

[Nathan Waters]

I bought a small 1BR 1Bath HUD home back in September. I got it rented out in March. I know; the turn around was slow, but it is what it is. Learned a lot and got what seemed to be a good tenant. She got the gas and electric put in her name right away. But I had some issues with the water bill due to a broken water meter. It took me about 6 weeks to get it resolved before she could put the water in her name. I paid the first 3 months of water and told her she would be responsible for it and gave her an estimate. Now she is making excuses about a water bill at her families house that is in her name. She can't afford to bring it current to put my house in her name. To top it off, she says she can't afford to pay the water bill that she owes me. i came up with a reasonable payment plan to get her caught up. Any advice? Sound off BP.

[Jonathan G.]

We had a long-term tenant that seem to ignore our request to pay an outstanding $450 bill. Finally we just sent a three day notice to pay or quit and suddenly we got the check. There is no sense in going around and around and arguing and begging and pleading. Use what tools you have which include your notice to pay or quit as well as eviction processes.