Tenant still hasn't paid, court date in September

[Joe P.]

Hi all, so I posted awhile ago about a tenant simply not responding to me/unpaid rent earlier in the month. Still unpaid.

We made contact on the 20th (I filed the Philadelphia landlord-tenant complaint on the 17th, court date in September, and they finally contacted me back) and they said they're on hard times, etc. Promised to pay but didn't have the money. Their lease also ends on the 31st and they said they would move by then, but I doubt it.

Just trying to a get a sense of options. I was thinking of stopping by on the 31st to "check on the move out" but I don't know what my rights/what is correct in this case. I don't think they're going to be moving out and are just waiting until the court date on the 11th.

Would appreciate any advice or thoughts on how to play the remainder of this out -- personally I want to just let the court do its thing, but this issue has stopped me from starting my plan (sell, use proceeds for next 2 properties) with them in it.

[Account Closed]

@Joe P. I wouldn't give them cash for keys until you reach Sept time. If they told you they're going to vacate at the 31st I'd wait it out until then before you give them extra cash. Good Luck with this and let me know how you make out!