Tenant Accused of ID Theft

[Javier Marchena]

I have a tenant that is being renting from me for the past 5 years. Now she is month to month. Paying slow, but paying every month plus late fee.

A few weeks ago, a lady called telling me that my tenant stole her ID and used it to get a credit line at a store. A week later, this lady sent me an Identity Theft Report from the County's Sheriff Office. The police report said the sport goods were delivered and mail notifications were sent to my property.

My tenant said she has nothing to do with that. So far, she has not been picked up or anything.
Has anyone dealt with a situation like this? Should I try to evict her, before she is found guilty? Is it fair to get rid of her before she is found guilty.

If I wait until she is found guilty, she may be put on jail and leave all her belongings at the house.

[Marcia Maynard]

Month-to-month tenancies automatically renew every month. Nothing to do with renewing or not renewing a lease.

The decision to terminate a tenancy should not be taken lightly. This is a person's home and they have rights that must be honored.

This is not your issue. Keep alert but don't act on the prodding of the "victim". The tenant may have been accused of a crime, but has not had her day in court. There is nothing to do at this point.

Even if she is later found guilty of a crime, she will have the opportunity to make restitution. Unless it's extremely serious, I doubt she would serve mandatory jail time. But if she couldn't continue to reside in your unit, let her go peacefully.

Any time a tenant fails to abide by the terms of your rental agreement, enforce the terms of your rental agreement. That's where you need to focus your energy.