Tenant broke lease, now what?

[Troy B.]

I'm a new landlord so this process is all new to me. My issue is I had a three month lease with a tenant and they moved out a month early saying they just got in over their heads. They moved out without warning and then sent me a email wanting to know if they could work out payments for the remainder of the lease. I want to work with them, but I have a real doubt they will pay anything even if I make arrangements with them.

Should I just file this with the district magistrate to collect my $500 in owed rent or work with them in the hopes of maybe getting at least some rent?

[Ryan B.]

It is probably going to cost you more in court fees and headaches than the $500 they owe you. Chalk it up as a lesson learned and move on.