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Updated about 6 years ago on . Most recent reply
Tenants Ghosting at End of Lease
I have a lease expiring at the end of January. The tenants have paid for neither December nor January. They have ceased communication, even when I attempt to discuss utility transfers. I am under the assumption that they will not be paying me another penny at this point. Is it worth pursuing via the court or should I simply cut my losses?
For reference, the property is in Pennsylvania and it can take months to bring any real action or evict a tenant. Even if I was awarded a judgement, collecting, particularly when they will very much be unlikely to provide their new address, is a whole other matter entirely.
As a follow-up question: Will I be liable for what I am all but certain are unpaid utilities?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
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![Thomas S.'s profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/495545/1621479261-avatar-paidinful.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/cover=128x128&v=2)
It is my business practice a to always pursue tenants of non payment. Once I obtain a eviction award I file in small claims court. I do it as a routine, some times they settle, some times I garnish wages, sometimes I get nothing.
Unlike most landlords I do not make business decisions based on a defeatist attitude.
In your case since you did not act on Dec 2 with a pay or quit notice you have dug yourself into a deep financial hole and I would advise you initiate the eviction process and peruse them in court to collect. The cost is minimal.