Small Claims Court Help

[Aidan Mulligan]

Location: North Carolina

Background: I have had a tenant in place since June 2019. They have always paid on time and been responsive with the exception of December and January. They just messaged me and told me they bought a mobile home and will be moving out at the end of next week. Per their lease they are on the hook for some fees but I am afraid they are going to move and cut contact.

Question/Help needed: I understand the NC small claims court process. What I'm unsure about is how to decide when I should file. I want to give them a chance to pay their fees but the lease does not specify a time frame and their isn't any information on the court guides. Going forward i'll make sure a time frame is in the lease but how would you all go about this?