2nd March 2010

Here We Go Again

posted in Care and Feeding of Tenants |

So, recently I had a tenant who had been paying his rent late consistently for the last 4 months. Last month, on the 3rd, which is the day before rent is considered late, I received an email from him saying that he will be paying the rent including all late fees on the 24th.

I immediately replied to his email asking if he will be sending next month’s rent as well since it will be due 5 days later. Of course, I received no reply.

In the middle of the month, I received another email from the tenant explaining that he has come into some difficulty with his job and that he thinks that it’s in everyone’s best interest for him to move out since he can no longer afford to pay the rent. He assured me that he would be out by the first of the month.

I have to report that in my experience, this is highly unusual. Tenants in this situation seem to wait until they’re about to be evicted before even thinking about moving out. In fact, I have had tenants receive the court summons for eviction to then call me on the phone to find out how the process can be stopped. And this after avoiding me for weeks. I simply tell them that sorry, once I start this process I do not stop until they are gone.

And then they will leave the place a complete mess because they know they will not get their security deposit back and they are angry.

So, here we go again. I’ll report back once the tenant has moved.

There are currently 5 responses to “Here We Go Again”

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  1. 1 On March 2nd, 2010, ZenDarb said:

    Those types of problems can be a PAIN. Recently I had a ‘sweet little old lady’ as a tenant. She was on a ‘fixed income’ (aren’t we all?) and so I set her rent payment for the 6th of the month.

    Low and behold she didn’t pay. Went to court and she played the sweet lady bit. After getting the ruling in my favor, I told her sincerely if she is able to come up with the money and if there was a way, she could still stay.

    Eviction day came and went – she left the place in total destruction! Food smeared all over walls etc. Fortunately, it was all cosmetic.

    Just like you, I have to report that this is Highly Unusual. Mostly, I have found my tenants responsible.

    Good luck!

  2. 2 On March 3rd, 2010, How To Deal With Irresponsible Tenants | REI News Watch said:

    [...] How To Deal With Irresponsible Tenants [...]

  3. 3 On March 21st, 2010, Rich said:

    How I deal with irresponsible residents.

    Rent due 1st
    Friendly reminder note on the 2nd.
    If no response then, 3day pay or vacate notice on the 6th.
    If a response for a new pay date (within reason)then I will be there at the agreed time with a receipt and 3day pay or vacate notice. They get the receipt if they pay as agreed, if not, then they force the 3day notice.

    I am hardcore about this on new residents with no track record. And more flexible with residents that have been with me awhile…stuff happens.

    Try to nip it in the bud early on…because deferred management leads to excessive property damage. Been there done that…

  4. 4 On March 24th, 2010, Whining, Whingeing, Pissing and Moaning » The Successful Landlord Blog said:

    [...] have to admit that the old tenant who had to move out in the middle of the lease, left the place in very good condition. Everything was cleaned, mopped and touched-up [...]

  5. 5 On March 31st, 2010, Yvonne Mac said:

    Have 2 girls renting from me. One of the girls turnned into a bully and forced the other to give notice because she couldn’t take the harrassement anymore.Good News! When one gives notice they both have to move! Don’t know where the Bully is going & don’t care !

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