Tenant Used My Property for Airbnb

[David Ade]

Tenant finally moved out and haven’t paid rent since August 2020 hiding under the umbrella of CDC moratorium. Went to the property with my vendor to fix it up and was told by neighbors he’s been using my property for Airbnb. Fight broke out among some guys and strippers on the property last week and neighbors had to call the police. Tenant also claimed he’s the owner of the property.

Landlord relief application still in process. Should I press charges or move on? What’s the best way to go about it? Let me also state that I have a property management company

Appreciate your feedback

[Nathan Gesner]

Your tenant hasn't paid for a year, you have a Property Management company, but you just now found out what the tenant was doing? You need to fire the PM and hire someone else. I have a guide below that can help you get started.

When a tenant stops paying - even during an eviction moratorium - you have to keep a close eye on them. Your PM should have been inspecting every 2-3 months, minimum.

That's all behind you now. Get the unit cleaned up and get it rented. Continue seeking rental assistance, but be prepared for that to hit a dead end because the assistance opportunity typically goes away once the tenant leaves. It's a great example of government incompetence.

I also recommend you collect as much evidence as possible and consider taking the tenant to Small Claims or hiring an attorney to sue him. Find his ad on AirBnB and take screen shots. Take statements from neighbors. Take pictures. Get the police report. It shouldn't be hard to get a judgment against him and then you can take it to collections. You may never see a dime but you can perhaps prevent him from doing this to another Landlord.

Find a new manager.