Tenants destroyed my place. I kept deposit but what else can I do

[Justin Wood]

I have a couple tenants that have destroyed my units. Obviously, I need to vet them better but as of now what are my options? I have photos showing ton of trash left behind, appliances ruined totaling about $10,000 in damage each. 

Is there an attorney known for dealing with landlords and tenant disputes? I know getting money from them will be a far cry, but I would like to tie them up in some legal dispute to some degree. 

I talked to local Justice of the Peace. I can only file a civil lawsuit if I have their current address which I do not. There must be some option. Please help.

[Joe P.]

"Is there an attorney known for dealing with landlords and tenant disputes? I know getting money from them will be a far cry, but I would like to tie them up in some legal dispute to some degree."

I think reaching out to a landlord/tenant lawyer is a good move. But I don't quite understand your thinking. These folks just cost you thousands of dollars in damage, and now you want to spend more of your own money, just to spite them, by tying them up in court? That seems like more cost and more headache on your part with no actual return.

It is easy for me to sit here, and difficult for you to sit there, and say that you shouldn't go after them. But look at this purely as a financial action -- would you spend more money to gain no return? I wouldn't.

My last investment property was basically ruined by my last tenant, but I know most of that fault was mine -- I had hardwood floors, I let them bring their pit-mix in because I was desperate for a tenant, they barely made the financial requirement, and started exhibiting weird behavior about 1.5 years in. One of the tenants lost their job, and they stopped being responsive, stopped paying rent on time, care of the property quickly declined, care of the dog quickly declined, etc. Hindsight is 20/20, but some of these things should have been on my radar from the get-go. Now why would I go after THEM for damage to my floors and a "lingering poop smell" when really, they had no money to their name and I'm just as much at fault for bringing in bad tenants and not taking care of this more quickly and judiciously.

If you look at this problem as you are the cause, which you should, then I think you would realize this is a great learning lesson. Still, go through the process, call a landlord/tenant lawyer in your area and discuss it with them. They will advise you further as to your options. Then I would strongly evaluate your evaluation criteria. I now go to my prospective tenant's current address and take stock of the area as much as I can. I try to find any red flags of poor upkeep/neglect, and talk to the existing landlord as well. And, try and glean information as they visit you for a showing

1.  Go outside and try and see their transportation. If they have a car, peek into it if you can. See if its filled with trash.
2.  Judge the book by its cover -- are they wearing clothes that look like they haven't been washed, have a weird odor, seem disheveled? Probably the same in their home.
3.  Meet everyone on the lease, so ask who else will be on it. One person can destroy everyone's life...trust me. If one person doesn't seem right, I wouldn't rent to them.
4. Get them talking. Let them give you as much information as you can. I had a potential renter who I walked through, seemed all straightforward, and then she asked about pets. I said oh, tell me about your pets. Started with a dog. Then two cats. Then a fish. Then a parakeet. Oh, and their two lizards. Then a "is that ok with you?" Instead of saying "only small dogs and cats", try to get to know them. Open ended questions will get people talking. Or, will show you people who are trying to hide something.

These are soft skills that you can't develop in Excel, or read in a book -- you've got to know how to read people and glean as much information as you can based on how they present themselves and what they say or don't say. Then cross reference that with their application form and your due diligence.

Good luck with this, and keep us posted.