Tenant not responding and not paying rent

[Amador Abreu]

Dear community

After almost 6 years being a landlord I am facing for the first time a tenant that is not paying the rent and not responding to phone call, text message and even a letter placed at his door.

I have written a letter saying I understand hardship can happen and that there are currently government programs to help people in this situation, I have also provided links to the programs. Also I provided a form for a request for a payment plan.

I have given them until the end of day today to reply, but I am afraid this won't happen.

In face of not having any type of communication from the tenant's side, I am leaning on sending a Notice to Quit tomorrow and then wait for the end of September to arrive so I can move on with the eviction process.

I wonder if you could share a few thoughts if I am in the right path. Also, if you think I should hire a eviction company to help. I am very worried the tenant will purposely  destroy the property.

They are new tenants and 1 year lease started on beginning of June 2021.

He was great in credit score, landlord referrals, background check, ration to income, so I am very disappointed my screening process failed bad.

Thanks a lot!

Amador Abreu

[Scott M.]

First, welcome to the club.  Not a great club to belong to but as an investor you are bound to join the club sooner V later.  2nd, sounds like you are spot on.  Personally, if I were you, I would hire a lawyer as this is your first one and this way you can learn the process first hand.  Some will see this as a waste of money I see it as a training course.  From here, if you ever find yourself in this situation you know with full confidence what to do.

That said, you are on the right track, filing the notice to quit is a great first step then when that expires filing the case.  So you may be someone who has read up on this process and is ready to tackle it yourself.  Sure sounds like it.