Tenant Witholding Rent and Payment of Utilities

[Mauricio A.]

So after sending a termination of the lease renewal, the tenant refuses to pay rent and has not paid the water bill for the last quarter (usage also increased significantly on the most recent month).  The lease is due to terminate in the beginning of March, however, what are my options now that they haven't paid the water bill for the last quarter and are running late on rent payment?  The lease dictates that they will be in default after 10 days of non-payment for rent, but I wonder if they're trying to draw out the process as evicting them would likely extend beyond the date of lease termination (and be more costly as well).  How many of you have been in this same position and what have you done or learned from it? 

Thanks!

[Mark H.]

@Mauricio A.

Regardless of what they may be trying to do you need to follow your process. Send a notice to cure or whatever they call it in your state for the lease violation (not paying the water bill) and your pay or quit for not paying the rent and when you're able start the eviction process. That way if they dont move out on their own you're not behind in getting them out.