Collecting rent. collection agency

[John Kaeser]

I had a perfect Tennant paid on time every month for one year.

Lost his job at the end of 2015. Asked if he could use his security deposit for the last 2 months rent.

I agreed. He stayed an extra 2 months after that, promising to pay. I have been chasing him ever since for the last 2 months rent. The amount he owes is 10,000 worth chasing.  Does any one have a collection agency in the Connecticut area for rent collections. Can I put a flag on his credit report? Thanks in advance for any help.

[William Joseph]

John, 

I use a collection agency for my management company but I do not believe they deal with one off accounts. Candidly, I like to send them to collection so it does report on their credit. They are not really successful collecting on unpaid rent though, I maybe get 5% of unpaid rents. It is probably one of the harder debts to collect. 

If I were you I would go to a local attorney and see if they will collect for you on a contingency basis and you pay the costs of the suit (probably $250). Most younger attorneys would probably take a case like that and you don't have to throw good money after bad money. Chances are, a guy who can afford $5K in rent will eventually be employed again and want to deal with that judgment you obtained against him.