Back rent for tenant who has left the property

[Lauren Kalisz]

I had a tenant who did not pay 3 months rent from Jan-March in the total of $5,700. They have vacated the property and told me they have left the country, although this could easily not be true. They have blocked my phone number and email, I have no way to get in contact with them. Is it even in my interest to sue them for the back rent owed at this point? I know there are government assistance programs at this time due to covid. Is there any that work with landlords in this situation that does not need the tenant involved? Thanks so much!

[Bjorn Ahlblad]

I put my energy on getting the place filled and tuning my screening process looking for gaps.