Tenant - thrashed home before vacating, no forwarding address

[Ravi S.]

Home: 3BR, 2Bath; Built in 2018.

Tenant staying for 3+ years. I served 60 day notice to terminate lease. Last day of lease 5/31. Vacated on 6/1 late evening.

Thrashed the home --- Walls with crayons, broken dishwasher, Shower Handles, Fridge Handles, Really Messed up Floor, Clogged Kitchen sink etc.

Labor, Material and Cleaning Expenses far exceed Security Deposit. 

I don't have Tenant's forwarding address but know his place of work.

What are my options?

Regards

R  

[Patricia Steiner]

I have a different take from those before me:  document/photos and go after him.  File a Small Claim's Lawsuit (so inexpensive to file and you can do it online in most municipalities); use his employer's address as his current address. There's nothing like being served at work to get someone's attention.  There's a great chance that he will not show for the hearing and you will be awarded a default judgment.  With that you can garnish his wages or wait until he finds out that he can't buy that next car, can't get a decent apartment to have him surface and settle.  

You're running a business. It's important to establish a practice and reputation for not allowing tenants - whether former or current - to disrespect your property.  I'm sorry this happened to you; it's his turn to realize that it's hard to overcome stupid.

Best...