Should I start the Eviction process of or take the tenants word?

Question

I have a rental in a poor area that has only until recently been managed by a realtor who placed whomever they could find, in my rental.  One tenant  has not paid the rent since the first and has had her car taken away from her to by her parents, with whom she apparently has been staying with. She told me she lost her job and is moving out, but how long should I give her to move her stuff before starting the Eviction? The electric has not been paid in nearly 2 monthes and is scheduled to be shut off by the city.

Account Closed · Answer

I knew all I needed to know about this post from merely reading the title.

Nicole A. · Answer

Never take their word for it. Start the eviction process today. This is your priority. If a tenant is behind, you file for eviction, and if they pay by whatever date they had promised, then great, you can cancel the eviction. Same when they promise to move out. Something will come up to delay it. Couldn't get a truck. Couldn't get help. Always something.

Account Closed · Answer

Yikes!! You need to ask? Get OUT of the Rental business fast. Run don't walk!

Kelly N. · Answer

Hi Kenneth,

I have been down this road, start the process ASAP.  She's going to stay until something pushes her out, so it is in your best interest to start to push.  The sooner she is out, the less she will owe you (which you will likely never collect anyways), and the sooner you can move on.

Deanna McCormick · Answer

Tomorrow is Friday,, Today I'd give her the pay or quit, Call or talk to her let her know your going to file eviction on Monday, I'd camp out at her front door until you make contact. She has the weekend to move. You'll be by on Sunday at 5 to get the keys. I wouldn't offer her a dime. You could offer to help transport and move her junk but that's over and beyond.

If she isn't out Sunday at 5 go to court house and file.

Get the power company to revert the power back to owner as soon as you can.. the few bucks to do this will protect your unit in the interim. If you have her parents number call them and let them know what is up, they are in the picture so hopefully they will help her move.

Take photos of unit once you gain possession, document any damages and send the sec deposit move out statement so you properly have sent that out with back rent and $$ due. I had a kid in similar situation,, about 7 months later he called me back and wanted to pay what he owed.. Going to small claims court is one thing collecting is another..

Normally if I received notice from power company the power is in jeopardy of shutoff I send notice to cure.. and then file if not corrected. To much risk for fire, and accident. It's part of their lease requirements to keep the service on for just that fact.

Michael Noto · Answer

From what you described the tenant has no money, no transportation, and likely no where to go.  She is feeding you lip service so she can figure things out.  Start the eviction and let it play out from there.

Rolanda Eldridge · Answer

@Kenneth Davis..Yes, start.  Otherwise, she might continue to use as storage.  She lost her job and parents took transportation are not good signs..GL

Jerry Bredesen · Answer

Start the process today. There is NO chance you'll collect any back rent from this tenant, so there's no reason to give her any more free rent days than the law requires.

David Robrecht · Answer

Are you trying to keep your zero eviction record intact? Start the process. It can be as simple as sending a notice to vacate letter. I umpire baseball and a saying amongst that community is the umpire who brags he never has ejected someone is the umpire who doesn't know he isn't in control. Not knowing anything about your tenant situation besides the three sentences you wrote, I doubt an eviction would really scare or pressure this young individual who doesn't pay her bills and has her car privileges controlled by her parents, but it would atleast get the ball rolling if she doesn't move out soon like you assume she will hopefully do.

Should I start the Eviction process of or take the tenants word?

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