Rental Property Recovered but Trashed

[Dan Liptak]

Lets start this with saying I had a nightmare tenant  Constantly late and finally in January 2020 she was was an entire month behind.  Lost job... etc.  I served noticed to get the ball rolling but was willing to work out a payment plan in court.  BIG MISTAKE. My case was heard in February and we agreed on a payment plan.  COVID-19 hit and she defaulted as soon as there was an eviction moratorium.  The back rent grew and grew up to apx 16k.  Finally after offering cash for keys for her to leave she did (took 2 months).  Upon getting back in to the property it was wrecked.  It appears she turned the house into a feral cat resort.  We had to help her capture and remove half a dozen cats (demons).  Feces and urine all over the smell is unbearable.  Hardwood floors through are wrecked beyond sanding in most rooms.  I estimate close to 20k in damages and 16k in back rent.

Is it worth the legal expense and trouble to pursue a judgement?

I feel this is beyond DIY or a cleaning company.  What is the best way to get this property cleaned up? 

Need advice - Thanks!

[Lynnette E.]

My dad got a judgement against a   renter and he renewed it through the court every ten years.  This was in CA.  Kept it up to date for 30 years.  He knew he could not collect as the renter was self employed, but it did keep him from ever having a vehicle paid off, or more than one in his name, and he could never own a house in his name, get loans, etc.   He got calls for a reduced payoff a few times when the past renter wanted to get a loan, but my dad would not reduce the price as he wanted this guy to learn the lesson.

It stayed as a judgement until after my dad passed away and my mom decided to not renew it after 30 years, but then the guy was retired in NV!  Sometimes it is not for the money but for the lesson and to warn future landlords.