Tenant didn't pay rent, claims I changed locks

[Al Pat]

I have a tenant who has been with me for last six years. She has always been very punctual about paying on time and has never complained. Zero maintenance and well maintained. I didn't get her rent by 5th so I texted her if she is going be late and she responded saying I assumed she was going to be late and locked her out. She couldn't unlock the door last night and assumed I changed locks. Well, that was news to me because I was out on vacation for the last eight days. So when I returned home I went to check and both locks were functional, though I didn't open the door because I didn't want to trigger the security system. I have been calling her and texting her all day but she is totally nonreponsive. I can't even explain her anything. I told her that I never would change lock for any tenant even though they are late because it is not legal and also stated that she is one of our best tenant so it's never an option. Also informed her that dead bolt lock may have brock and need her permission to have locksmith enter the premises but still no response from her. What should I do?

[Bruce Scannell]

Hi Al, that is odd, considering how long she has been with you and how solid her track record is. How many tenants do you have? At this point, I wouldn’t worry about how great of a tenant she has been and start eviction process. I treat all the tenants the same, good or bad, which takes the uncertainty out of it. If you’re late, you get a notice and so on. Now, the good tenants usually follow up and explain the situation and once they pay, tell them to just disregard the notice, and that it’s just part of the process, nothing personal. 

Try not to get emotional, it’s business and if they don’t satisfy their end of the agreement, then you act accordingly.

Hope this helps, good luck...

Bruce