Tenant claims there is no heat, refusing to pay rent

[Megan Brooks]

Hi there,

Looking for some advice from other landlords...1 of our tenants is claiming the heat in the house doesn't work. Therefore, he's refusing to pay his rent. For the month of December he gave us 1 check that bounced and then another check that bounced. My husband is a plumber and manages the property and the heat is working. He has been there 2x and checked in. Any advice in this situation? We have already filed the eviction paperwork. I think the tenant obviously doesn't have the money so is making up excuses but will this hold up in court?

Thanks!