@Michael Whitaker - if the lease doesn't clearly outline that the tenant is responsible for it then you are responsible.  

I think the mistake was definitely not outlining our expectations in the contract.

We've got a rough outline and we have agreed upon terms, just don't have it all down in one place yet. 

Our properties were in the City of Detroit and outlining areas, so I dealt with all manners of people and personalities. 

If she had a mental breakdown and was hospitalized, then what was texted from her phone may or may not have merit.In Washington State, we would look to landlord-tenant law and follow abandonment procedures as outlined in RCW59.18.310.

I'd encourage you to get them on your own lease asap, at that point you can outline new due dates, late fees, etc.

One question that came to mind when dealing with potential tenants and discrimination issues would be if there is any benefit to outlining the reasons a tenant will not be approved on the application?

Hence his motivation to pay.In the circumstances I have drafted an agreement for him to sign in which he agrees that he is liable for the full amount of damages and will make monthly payments as outlined.

Please know that I love to go into detail and answer questions, but I'll try to stick to an outline, and then people can ask if they want to know more.Around September I drove around and wrote down the addresses of vacant houses.  

It's a good warning to be leery of taking out lines of credit on your own residence for REI.