The tenant suddenly stopped paying rent, claimed 'banking glitch' and squatted for 6 months while we worked through the evictions process. The court ordered the tenant to pay back-owed rent plus interest. 2 years passed, and the tenant reached back asking to "clear up the balance." I'd appreciate advice on our next steps. In particular:
(1) Should I hire a law firm or collection agency to facilitate the transaction? What's a reasonable fee?
(2) Should we expect to settle for the full amount of the court ordered debt plus court ordered interest? Our counsel previously advised we are legally entitled to a greater amount including all lost rent until the home was re-signed, cost of lock-out, cost to clean up house, physical damage, ect.
For context, this is a solid house in a decent neighborhood and we never had prior issues with the tenant.
Thanks in advance!
