Eviction: got a court date

[Joy James]

The tenant whom I filed an eviction last week, filed an answer. She said she was in an abusive relationship and her partner didn’t let her work or go out of the house until he was incarcerated for kidnapping and assault. This happened late November. In The first week of December, she told me that she’s applying for rent assistance from Project Hope but I never received or heard from that charity.

Since then she has found a new job on the 2nd week of December but has not paid a full month’s rent. She sent in $30 and $125 which I told her would be credited to October back rent. She has $0 credit for November, December and January rents. She said she has been trying to pay but what i got was these $30 and $125. I am afraid that her sob story will win the sympathy of the judge... any advice on how I should prepare for the court date? What should I anticipate? Will i get her to move out so that I can find a paying tenant? I have a mortgage, insurance and taxes that i pay monthly for that property. Thanks in advanced.... if you don’t have anything positive to share in this problem and have only snarky remarks, please keep them to yourself. This is a community of people who want to help others and not put them down. I appreciate it.

[Joy James]

@Mitch Messer

Hi thanks for your input. The good thing is, she sent those $30 and $125 in December but i filed for eviction on the 6th of January. Rent is always due on the 1st. I was waiting for the GA rent moratorium to be lifted.

I could offer cash for keys, but i think she is after free housing.... i already offered her to vacate at the end of December without owing me any back rent but she refused promising to pay because she’s got a job. Well, she sent $125 instead of $975.