Tenant constantly trouble with rent

[Jason Y.]

This is for Charlotte Nc.  I have a tenant who has not been able to make full payment since Nov 2019.  Tenant always owes a balance.  Makes small payments here and there but always has an outstanding balance.  What are the steps to collect full payment and to get balance to zero, as tenant always promises they will pay off balance next week, next week etc.

Can we start eviction process?  I don’t have experience with NC real estate laws.  Or can you only do that when they do not pay rent at all?  

[Daniel Moffett]

Hi Jason, 

This is a very common problem for investors.  It can be difficult figuring out how to navigate rent collections and then also to know how long to let things go before filing for eviction.  Here are a few things to consider. 

a) Don't accept partial payments
b) Stick to a hard deadline
c) File eviction immediately if the deadline isn't met

Doing this just holds residents accountable to do what they say they are going to do, which is to pay rent on time.  

There are many investors out there that successfully manage their own properties.  If you find out that you don't like certain parts of managing your own properties I would encourage you to reach out to a professional property management company.  There are plenty of good companies out there that could help with the problems that you are describing.

Good luck sir! 
Dan