evictions. feedback requested

[Ellen A.]

we own 3 rental properties. we are on the verge of evicting tenants on 2 of our properties. we have never done this before and appreciate feedback.

tenant 1. has been wonderful. no issues or problems and paid on time for about 16 months. he is a house flipper and recently fell on hard times. he did not pay his January or February rent. he says he is waiting for closing and funding to hit on several properties and as soon as he gets paid he intends to pay all late fees. we are running out of patience. we also recently found out he has a cat and the lease says no pets.

tenant 2. is a big problem. he pays late all the time and no late fees paid. no pets in the lease. we recently found out he has 3 pit bulls. the lease mentions he is in default of the lease plus fees if pets are found.

I've talked to an eviction assistance company. we pay about $400 to start the process.

we have seen terrible stories of damage tenants do once eviction process starts.

we might be able to cover these processes but the damage could really be a struggle.

both leases are up around june.

[Account Closed]

Originally posted by @Ellen A.:

we own 3 rental properties. we are on the verge of evicting tenants on 2 of our properties. we have never done this before and appreciate feedback.

tenant 1. has been wonderful. no issues or problems and paid on time for about 16 months. he is a house flipper and recently fell on hard times. he did not pay his January or February rent. he says he is waiting for closing and funding to hit on several properties and as soon as he gets paid he intends to pay all late fees. we are running out of patience. we also recently found out he has a cat and the lease says no pets.

tenant 2. is a big problem. he pays late all the time and no late fees paid. no pets in the lease. we recently found out he has 3 pit bulls. the lease mentions he is in default of the lease plus fees if pets are found.

I've talked to an eviction assistance company. we pay about $400 to start the process.

we have seen terrible stories of damage tenants do once eviction process starts.

we might be able to cover these processes but the damage could really be a struggle.

both leases are up around june.

 Tenant 1 - if he's waiting for closing, you can't even put a lien on the property, so he has to go.  

Tenant 2 - has to go, too.

I would not pay an eviction service, if you're concerned about damage.  I've been able to successfully negotiate tenants out without damage.  What's worked for me is to nicely have a chat - "Joe, you know I'm going to have to ask you to vacate.  Nothing will go on your credit report if you just leave the place clean, undamaged and empty the place of all of your stuff and not just pile it up outside.

Then, I'll give you all of your deposit money back in cash when you give me the keys.

That's always been enough for me.  They are usually really afraid that this will be an eviction on their record. So, you have to be clear and reassuring about that. Otherwise, they could feel they have nothing left to lose.

Tenant 1 can't afford to have an eviction or judgment on his credit because of his business, so he should agree.  Tenant 2 might be more of a fighter, and you may need to reassure that tenant that they won't have an eviction on their report if they leave quietly.

They'll both need the deposit money and getting it in cash really helps them.  

Be sure and also get them to sign an agreement that this ends their tenancy as long as there are no further problems.