Evict vs non-renewal

[Sheena Lee]

I inherited tenants with the triplex I bought 2.5 months ago. One tenant has paid no rent despite multiple attempts from me to work with them. I have offered a payment schedule to recoup back rent which they swore they would follow and have not. Their lease is up Feb 28th and I have notified them by letter that late or non-payment will result in non-renewal. I honestly want them out. I’m don’t trying to work with them. I have a bad feeling they will not leave on their own. Do I jump right to eviction or send another letter confirming non-renewal? Any other suggestions for this situation?

[Thomas S.]

If you do not evict you will not be able to collect back rent in small claims court. If you have not sent proper legal notice to non renew then they also do not legally have to leave. Telling them late payment will result in non-renewal is not that same as sending notice to non renew.

You need to study your state landlord tenant regulations if you want to continue successfully in business.