Help, tenant plans to skip out!

[Rik Shaw]

Hey Bigger Pockets, I made the mistake of renting to a co-worker. She was new in town and any place she tried to rent was molded and invested. She had heard that I had an available house for rent, I reluctantly agreed to show her the place. She couldn't afford the full rent and asked if I would make an exception for her to have a pet.  To help her out I dropped the rent and she agreed to pay a small pet fee ($50/month). 

Initially she invited me over a handful of times, I took the opportunity so I could see the condition of my property. Each time the place was clean and damage free. However, I haven't been there in 6 months and now co-workers and the handyman are telling me that she has 5 pets (agreement was for 2), there's significant damage (doors torn apart,etc) and a bad smell. 

She was fired about 2 weeks ago, mainly for behavioral issues. She's not taking my calls or answering emails. Neighbors tell me that she takes several boxes to her car every couple days.

Her lease ends at the end of next month, but I believe she's planning to pack up and skip town by the end of this month. Thereby avoiding the last month's rent and having to be held accountable for any excess damage.

What do I do?

[Bjorn Ahlblad]

@Rik Shaw I would cheer the fact she is leaving and the sooner the better. She has no money and would just be in the way. Now you can get the place ready for the next tenant. I would get an insurance adjuster involved and some of the damage might be covered. Did you require renter's insurance? Anyway suck it up and get going.

I had one of these a few years ago; my PM was not inspecting and the tenant had 2 pitbulls and a son with anger issued. It was bad; we fired the PM got the place fixed up and got a new tenant who has been there ever since.

This stuff comes with the territory unfortunately.