Nightmare tenants rent and damage

[John Tarricone]

Hi Everyone-

I have a duplex and am currently house hacking.

My tenants lease was supposed to end April 30. But they have been a nightmare...not paying rent, throwing parties every night, trash everywhere.

So on March 1 when they asked if they could resign May 1, I told them we would be going our separate ways.

They decided not to pay March or April rent (so I am keeping their security which is equal to 1 month rent). Today I did a walk thru of the unit. They’ve broken 4 windows, the storm door, damaged siding, ripped a 4 foot by 3 foot hole in the bedroom wall, and mangled the floors.

Not to mention left behind about 15 bags of garbage.

Looking for advice...I don’t know if legal is the route to go (I’m not confident they have any money), or to just do the repairs and take it as a learning experience. I’m located in upstate NY, specifically Rochester. Not NYC.

Thanks again and any advice would be great.

John T.

[Jacob Sampson]

They don't have money but you still track all the repairs, take pictures, etc and turn them over to a local collections attorney.  Make sure their credit gets dinged and send the attorney after them.  Their is no downside, collections attorneys get paid a percentage of what they collect.  If they don't collect anything then you pay nothing.  If the tenants ever want to correct their credit score they will need to reach out to you.