Finally got Renter who thinks she makes the rules out, now what ?

[Brenda Norris]

I had a tenant who I also knew personally for years ( I know big mistake) She has been a pain from the beginning. Never paid her entire deposit, owes late fees, had unauthorized pet, did not take care of appliances and sink drains, called police on my husband for being in the shed that only we use and she knew he was going to be there. 

There is another shed on the property for her use. She also spent 3 months demanding a new refrigerator when it was clear in the lease she was responsible for maintaining the one I bought and replacing it if something should happen, she kept the freezer too full and froze it up, my husband kept telling her what she needed to do but she wouldn't listen. He has since defrosted it and it works fine.

So much more but She finally left August 1st and left a check for what she determined would be rent for 1 day. She left the 2 house keys that I have had to provide her over the last year (no charge) due to her losing 2 keys. Should I change the locks and can I require that to be at her expense ? Who knows where those keys are ? Also can I legally charge more than what she determined she owes for a daily rate ? When you stay in a hotel it is more by the day than the week or month.

She was asked to leave and the rent was going up 150.00 monthly anyway.

Any advise even partial would be appreciated.

[Matt K.]

Changing locks isn't even that expensive and should be considered cost of doing business. It doesn't sound like it's worth while to go after her for 1 day of rent or fight her on the security deposit unless you don't value your time much.