Is it worth starting an eviction with lease up at end of month?

[Korey Hodges]

I'm in Tennessee. I have a tenant who has gotten behind in rent. I was willing to work with him due to all that has been going on this year. We worked out a weekly payment plan and he paid the first two weeks but hasn't paid in the last two weeks. He has stopped returning my calls and texts. There has been no communication from him at all during the past two weeks.

I have called, texted and emailed. My latest text said if he didn't call me today I would start the process of having him move out. In Tennessee you have to give 14 days notice so the tenant has a chance to pay what they owe. His lease is up at the end of this month (November). I know evictions can take a long time and I'm not even sure if it would be worth starting the eviction. My concern is that with absolutely no communication from his end I am not 100% certain he will move out at the end of the lease. 

I plan on giving him the 14 day written notice and hope that will at the very least get him to move out a little early. Any thoughts on this?

Thank you, 

Korey

[Patricia Steiner]

Definitely give him the required notice and do it now.  The CDC's national moratorium on evictions runs through December 31, 2020; since the tenant has failed to communicate, I would go ahead and have my place in line to evict him when the court resumes these hearings. The moratorium only applies to non-payment of rent so any other violations do not delay eviction proceedings.  You can also sue for unpaid rent by filing in small claims court.

You did your part to help him out but your kindness appears to have been met with unkindness.  Send the notice.  

Best...