All Forum Posts by: Naji Ray

Find a reputable collection agency, give it to them, and then expect that you'll never get paid. If you do collect something, consider it a bonus.

I have tried four different collection agencies and have about 60 accounts in collections. I joined with Capital Accounts in January 2022 and they've collected more for me this year than all the others collected for me in 12 years.

You can go after them in small claims court, don't waste the energy. 

Aloha,

Did you get a money judgment? In my experience there are two parts to eviction...summary possession, and money judgment. Separate actions, typically heard together. Collection agencies need a money judgment to collect against, or they will file for, and charge you for the effort, a money judgment. Different jurisdictions may have different processes, learn your local LL/tenant laws.

@Naji Ray - Getting payment out of tenants who were evicted is a time consuming and often fruitless effort. If there was a co-signer on the lease who had a decent credit score, then that would be the person I target. Usually I will make a few collection attempts, send a notice to all signers saying that if I don't receive payment then I am turning the debt over to a collections agency. If they end up getting turned over to a collection agency, then that's going to show up on their credit along side the eviction. 

I know Hunter Warfield is one collections agency that will work to collect on past due or unpaid rents. I am sure there are other agencies that have similar specializations. 

Even if I have to give up half of the amount collected to the agency, it's better than nothing and it's worth the time to focus on more positive endeavors with a better chance of seeing a return. 

Every poor tenant or collection experience I have ends up making me that much better at identifying tenants who will be dependable and take care of the home they lease. 

I hate that you're having to deal with this situation. Learn what you can, and hopefully you can eliminate some future headaches. 

If you find a solution that leads to positive results, be sure to let everyone know. 

Best of luck!