Tenant Doesn't Want to Do Things the "Easy Way"

[Jake Kucheck]

Situation:

Tenant who was consistently late on rent payments was finally given the boot. After months and months of "giving the mouse a cookie", I'd finally had enough.

Tenant agrees to vacate, actually vacates by the date agreed, and promises to pay the back rent amount. While I realize I am probably already ahead of the game... I'm wondering, what happens now that tenant is disappeared?

I'm pretty good at finding people when need be, but the question is, what do I do once I find her? Anyone more familiar than me with landlord/tenant law in CA? Do I have any right to enforce the lease agreement? How does this usually end up in practice? I've kept meticulous records and have what I believe is a pretty good case, but if a judge will just side with "some poor victim of the economy" I'd rather not spend too much time on it.

Thoughts?

[Jon Klaus]

I'd say don't throw more money and effort into this. It's very likely that you won't collect from her, even with a judgement. Save an eviction suit for when you have to get someone out. Also, you did well in that she left the unit in good shape.