Tenant refusing to pay rent

[Adam Brugman]

I'm writing on behalf of my girlfriend (currently residing in California). She owns a property in Falls Church, VA. and a tenant is refusing to pay rent. The tenant will not respond to any communication from my girlfriend. The tenant was reached by a third party last week and agreed to pay rent as well as a late fell. However, this tenant has not complied. The tenant states that they are moving out at the end of the month, however this was never given in writing. We afraid this tenant is going to stay indefinitely and will refuse to pay rent. Beginning eviction precedings is difficult considering we are on the other side of the country.

Are there any other steps that can be taken?