My First Eviction Was A Success !?!

[John Thedford]

I just went through an eviction with a very obstinate tenant. They were problems from day one. He could not get along with anyone. He fired the lawn and pool man (my agents). He fought with my realtor. He fought with the handyman. He was a very unhappy person and probably only found happiness being unhappy!
In July he sent a certified letter stating he was breaking our two year lease and that he "had already paid the last months rent". He paid the 24th month rent-not the July rent (he was in the house about 4 months). I waited way too long to post a 3 days notice and finally did so around the 12th of July. I encouraged him to pay and he told me he would not. I stated I would file eviction paperwork to which he replied "I don't care". So, I went to the courthouse and filed the paperwork. Two days later he was served by the sheriff department. Three days later he was out of the house. He left it pretty filthy and with some minor damage to appliances that were purchased this year in April. Other than that, I would guess most investors would say I was lucky--particularly when you hear horror stories of tenants staying in a property not paying rent for months or intentionally destroying the premises. I hope I don't have this situation arise in the future but being a realist I know it can come with the job.