Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here
Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties. Try BiggerPockets PRO.
x
Managing Your Property
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

User Stats

21
Posts
6
Votes
Lynn Gadd
  • Investor
  • Austin, TX
6
Votes |
21
Posts

how to evict a tenant that threatens you in text

Lynn Gadd
  • Investor
  • Austin, TX
Posted

I have a renter that just moved in my rental on August. Yesterday he tells me he just got laid off effective immediately and that he will be searching for a job- i replied back i was so sorry to hear that and good luck with the job search he said he was doing - his reply back was “You are a pathetic farce of a human being. Die in hell.”

Um- my property is a nice property across from nike and i as a female do not take well to that sort of verbal abuse from a man.  I want him out but know oregon has strict renter laws.  I self manage my property- any thoughts of resources to escalate this to authorities and how to evict?  

User Stats

708
Posts
909
Votes
Jeremy H.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Lafayette, LA
909
Votes |
708
Posts
Jeremy H.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Lafayette, LA
Replied

I personally wouldn't even respond to a text like that - unless it has to do with health/safety leave me alone. Don't care to hear about your job/kids etc. 

As far as his offensive text - well I'm not sure there is a legal basis to evict on that. I'm not even seeing it as a threat - just as an insult. There have been way worse insults...You may be able to do an inspection and find something wrong and evict for that reason. OR when he doesn't pay his rent which looks like it may be coming next...Or find some rule he is breaking and evict based on that. You basically need to lean on your lease and find a reason through there. 

Other than that, just don't renew when the lease comes up and minimize contact with this tenant. 

User Stats

21
Posts
6
Votes
Lynn Gadd
  • Investor
  • Austin, TX
6
Votes |
21
Posts
Lynn Gadd
  • Investor
  • Austin, TX
Replied

Very true, all i can do is document everything to have the paper trail once things start escalating to the grounds where i can evict based on rent owed or damages- i just can’t imagine texting that to anybody- not just a landlord. 

BiggerPockets logo
PassivePockets is here!
|
BiggerPockets
Find sponsors, evaluate deals, and learn how to invest with confidence.

User Stats

263
Posts
127
Votes
William Sing
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Portland, OR
127
Votes |
263
Posts
William Sing
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Portland, OR
Replied

@Lynn Gadd I agree with @Jeremy H. If this ever goes to court for an eviction for whatever reason it would more reasonable. I hope it doesn't get to eviction, but if it does you can reach out to https://www.landlord-solutions.com/ . They take care of everything with the process if it gets to that point but recommend you look up the right forms and serve them if they don't start paying rent. For Oregon specific these are the usual go to's:
https://store.oregonrentalhousing.com/

https://www.rentalformscenter.com/state

User Stats

8,326
Posts
4,341
Votes
Colleen F.
Pro Member
  • Investor
  • Narragansett, RI
4,341
Votes |
8,326
Posts
Colleen F.
Pro Member
  • Investor
  • Narragansett, RI
Replied

@Lynn Gadd possible you weren't the intended recipient. I have ? Back a tenant for a perplexing text and found it was misdirected but I have also recieved rude texts intended for me. If he misses payment move forward with pay or quit. Laid off people sometimes get very angry.

User Stats

21
Posts
6
Votes
Lynn Gadd
  • Investor
  • Austin, TX
6
Votes |
21
Posts
Lynn Gadd
  • Investor
  • Austin, TX
Replied

It took half a day but he responded it was not intended for me.  There was nothing I could do anyway unless there was missed rent or damage but I was just startled by the comment even if it was for someone else.  In oregon at least you get 60 days heads up with being laid off- I would expect it more from tenants from properties in my other states, lol.  Hope it works out for him and we can all move forward.

User Stats

21
Posts
6
Votes
Lynn Gadd
  • Investor
  • Austin, TX
6
Votes |
21
Posts
Lynn Gadd
  • Investor
  • Austin, TX
Replied
Quote from @William Sing:

@Lynn Gadd I agree with @Jeremy H. If this ever goes to court for an eviction for whatever reason it would more reasonable. I hope it doesn't get to eviction, but if it does you can reach out to https://www.landlord-solutions.com/ . They take care of everything with the process if it gets to that point but recommend you look up the right forms and serve them if they don't start paying rent. For Oregon specific these are the usual go to's:
https://store.oregonrentalhousing.com/

https://www.rentalformscenter.com/state


 Thank you so much for this info.

User Stats

1,386
Posts
1,535
Votes
Adam Martin
  • Rental Property Investor
1,535
Votes |
1,386
Posts
Adam Martin
  • Rental Property Investor
Replied

Well that is certainly unpleasant and escalated quickly but I really don’t see this as something you can evict over.  I would just ignore it and move on with your day.  I’m sure he is in a lot of stress and he lashed out.  This is however not a tenant that is going to get any leniency from me at all so if he is late I’d file for eviction the first chance I had.  He must have missed the whole you catch more flies with honey if he were looking for sympathy from you.


we were posting at the same time so this is an edit but I would assume you were the intended recipient but go with he was just having a bad day.  He realized he made a mistake and just let it go.  

User Stats

491
Posts
308
Votes
Carini Rochester
  • Investor
  • Rochester, NY
308
Votes |
491
Posts
Carini Rochester
  • Investor
  • Rochester, NY
Replied

That he would write that to anybody is scary. It tells me to keep an eye on him, and almost certainly not renew the lease.

User Stats

6,386
Posts
3,660
Votes
Bob Stevens
Pro Member
#3 Rehabbing & House Flipping Contributor
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Cleveland
3,660
Votes |
6,386
Posts
Bob Stevens
Pro Member
#3 Rehabbing & House Flipping Contributor
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Cleveland
Replied
Quote from @Lynn Gadd:

I have a renter that just moved in my rental on August. Yesterday he tells me he just got laid off effective immediately and that he will be searching for a job- i replied back i was so sorry to hear that and good luck with the job search he said he was doing - his reply back was “You are a pathetic farce of a human being. Die in hell.”

Um- my property is a nice property across from nike and i as a female do not take well to that sort of verbal abuse from a man.  I want him out but know oregon has strict renter laws.  I self manage my property- any thoughts of resources to escalate this to authorities and how to evict?  


 call your attorney, 

  • Bob Stevens
  • User Stats

    2,293
    Posts
    2,282
    Votes
    Matthew Irish-Jones
    Property Manager
    Agent
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Buffalo, NY
    2,282
    Votes |
    2,293
    Posts
    Matthew Irish-Jones
    Property Manager
    Agent
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Buffalo, NY
    Replied
    Quote from @Lynn Gadd:

    I have a renter that just moved in my rental on August. Yesterday he tells me he just got laid off effective immediately and that he will be searching for a job- i replied back i was so sorry to hear that and good luck with the job search he said he was doing - his reply back was “You are a pathetic farce of a human being. Die in hell.”

    Um- my property is a nice property across from nike and i as a female do not take well to that sort of verbal abuse from a man.  I want him out but know oregon has strict renter laws.  I self manage my property- any thoughts of resources to escalate this to authorities and how to evict?  


     If I had a nickel for every threat I received... I wouldn't need to invest in Real Estate.  I try to ignore, de-escalate, tell them I'm just a humble guy trying to do his job, and disengage.  If it really gets heated our office has a panic button, security cameras, and we are prepared to protect ourselves.  We never make rent collection visits to properties. 

    • Real Estate Agent NY (#10401329866)

    User Stats

    5,808
    Posts
    6,689
    Votes
    Dan H.
    Pro Member
    • Investor
    • Poway, CA
    6,689
    Votes |
    5,808
    Posts
    Dan H.
    Pro Member
    • Investor
    • Poway, CA
    Replied

    I do not care that he was at higher stress or that he claims it was intended for someone else.  I would give him maximum legal rent increase every time until he gives me notice. 

    Currently in my market the max rent increase on MF is 10%.  I suspect a couple/few 10% rent increases would convince most tenants to look for other housing.  

    Good luck

  • Dan H.
  • User Stats

    377
    Posts
    430
    Votes
    Rick Bassett
    Property Manager
    • Property Manager
    • Greater New Haven, CT
    430
    Votes |
    377
    Posts
    Rick Bassett
    Property Manager
    • Property Manager
    • Greater New Haven, CT
    Replied

    @Lynn Gadd I would’ve responded with a snarky comment like “obviously that text was meant for a family member, not me”.

    Sometimes kicking the hornets nest is just too irresistible 😎

    Bassett Property Management Logo
    Rent To Retirement logo
    Rent To Retirement
    |
    Sponsored
    Turnkey Rentals 12+ States. SFR, MF & New Builds, High ROI! 3.99% rates, 5% down loans, below market prices across the US! Txt REI to 33777

    User Stats

    66
    Posts
    37
    Votes
    Cathy B.
    • Architect
    • Portland, OR
    37
    Votes |
    66
    Posts
    Cathy B.
    • Architect
    • Portland, OR
    Replied
    Quote from @Lynn Gadd:

    It took half a day but he responded it was not intended for me.  There was nothing I could do anyway unless there was missed rent or damage but I was just startled by the comment even if it was for someone else.  In oregon at least you get 60 days heads up with being laid off- I would expect it more from tenants from properties in my other states, lol.  Hope it works out for him and we can all move forward.

    I'm curious about the 60 day heads up that you mention.  I thought most employment in Oregon is at will and can be terminated at any time.  I'm pretty sure every employer of mine has handled layoffs this way. Employees get no notice of being laid off until it happens.

    There are some industries that are resetting due to the high interest rates.  It is definitely affecting developers ability to have projects that pencil out, which translates into less work for others down the line.  Expect more layoffs while the economy resets.  That being said, most people I know that were laid off have been able to find other employment.

    User Stats

    263
    Posts
    127
    Votes
    William Sing
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Portland, OR
    127
    Votes |
    263
    Posts
    William Sing
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Portland, OR
    Replied
    Quote from @Cathy B.:
    Quote from @Lynn Gadd:

    It took half a day but he responded it was not intended for me.  There was nothing I could do anyway unless there was missed rent or damage but I was just startled by the comment even if it was for someone else.  In oregon at least you get 60 days heads up with being laid off- I would expect it more from tenants from properties in my other states, lol.  Hope it works out for him and we can all move forward.

    I'm curious about the 60 day heads up that you mention.  I thought most employment in Oregon is at will and can be terminated at any time.  I'm pretty sure every employer of mine has handled layoffs this way. Employees get no notice of being laid off until it happens.

    There are some industries that are resetting due to the high interest rates.  It is definitely affecting developers ability to have projects that pencil out, which translates into less work for others down the line.  Expect more layoffs while the economy resets.  That being said, most people I know that were laid off have been able to find other employment.


     Companies that have 50 employees or more are required by the state to submit that they will be doing layoffs or terminating business. I believe every state has something similar to it. Usually it is called "WARN". You can see Oregon's program here - https://www.oregon.gov/highered/institutions-programs/workfo...

    If you then google "WARN LIST [STATE]" in google it will usually come up as well, but this is how people see if there are major layoffs coming or not. Here is Oregon's list:https://ccwd.hecc.oregon.gov/Layoff/WARN

    If you are hearing of potential cuts in your company and your company meets those standards, you can check the designated WARN website and see if you need to start a job hunt yourself. 

    Account Closed
    43
    Votes |
    52
    Posts
    Account Closed
    Replied
    "how to evict a tenant that threatens you in text"

    He didn't threaten you. He insulted you. You have nothing to escalate. 

    User Stats

    66
    Posts
    37
    Votes
    Cathy B.
    • Architect
    • Portland, OR
    37
    Votes |
    66
    Posts
    Cathy B.
    • Architect
    • Portland, OR
    Replied
    Quote from @William Sing:
    Quote from @Cathy B.:
    Quote from @Lynn Gadd:

    It took half a day but he responded it was not intended for me.  There was nothing I could do anyway unless there was missed rent or damage but I was just startled by the comment even if it was for someone else.  In oregon at least you get 60 days heads up with being laid off- I would expect it more from tenants from properties in my other states, lol.  Hope it works out for him and we can all move forward.

    I'm curious about the 60 day heads up that you mention.  I thought most employment in Oregon is at will and can be terminated at any time.  I'm pretty sure every employer of mine has handled layoffs this way. Employees get no notice of being laid off until it happens.

    There are some industries that are resetting due to the high interest rates.  It is definitely affecting developers ability to have projects that pencil out, which translates into less work for others down the line.  Expect more layoffs while the economy resets.  That being said, most people I know that were laid off have been able to find other employment.


     Companies that have 50 employees or more are required by the state to submit that they will be doing layoffs or terminating business. I believe every state has something similar to it. Usually it is called "WARN". You can see Oregon's program here - https://www.oregon.gov/highered/institutions-programs/workfo...

    If you then google "WARN LIST [STATE]" in google it will usually come up as well, but this is how people see if there are major layoffs coming or not. Here is Oregon's list:https://ccwd.hecc.oregon.gov/Layoff/WARN

    If you are hearing of potential cuts in your company and your company meets those standards, you can check the designated WARN website and see if you need to start a job hunt yourself. 

    Hmm interesting.  It looks like its for company closings or mass layoffs (33% or more of workforce) for companies with a large workforce, which is probably why I've never heard of it.  Doesn't seem to apply to many situations where employees are laid off unless the company is really in trouble.  It also appears to be a federal law (WARN act signed by Congress in 1988), not an Oregon specific one.
    Thanks for the info .  . . I learned something new!