time to kick them out. Am I right or am I wrong?

[Diane Stinebaugh]

Hi everybody!  I'm a newbie.  bought my first house in February and had it rented May 1st.   Late July my tenant sent me a text with a sob story about a fraudulent check he deposited, he wouldn't have the rent on the first and could he pay the 15th of August.  He works at a local school district and I thought maybe that was payday.  So I said yes.  He said that the summer "dried up" he couldn't get a job.  ummmm.  This is Northwest Arkansas, there are jobs everywhere.  the 15th came and he said this special check he was supposed to get didn't come in the mail.  NO RENT $.  I gave him his 3 day notice. He said he would have most of the rent Friday (the 18th).  guess what?  NO $. 

big question.  Do I go ahead and call my lawyer on Monday and start the eviction?  or wait one more day. 

meanwhile, I did a walk thru on the 15th.  He keeps the house nice and clean, the lawn is mowed. and he never bothers me.  during the walk thru he said they never use the dishwasher because it didn't work.  Not a dirty dish in sight.  He had never bothered me about the disherwasher.  ends up that it does work, he just didn't know how to use it.  

I appreciate any input. 

[Wesley W.]

I would start the eviction process immediately.  You can always cancel it if he ever pays.

Going forward, make sure your lease provides for the reimbursement of your fees (attorney, process server, court) associated with the reinforcement of the lease terms (including, and especially the non-payment of rent).

Good luck!