It usually starts out the same way with problem renters. When you initially met your prospective tenant, they seemed just wonderful. Maybe you didn't have a Realtor like me representing you, and since they seemed so pleasant, well spoken and put-together, you may not have even run a credit report, contacted their current Landlord, their employer, contacted their references, or run any type of lawsuit or public record search.
Well, a few months into the lease the rent is just a few days late, and then it's a few weeks late, and then when you call for payment, they tell you that there was a job loss or illness and they are behind but will catch up.
Everything has been okay thus far, so you agree. A few more weeks, or maybe a few months goes by and now they don't take your calls, or they leave messages for you when they know that you're not home so they don't have to speak directly to you and answer the difficult questions, "Where's my money, and when can I pick it up?'
I liken this whole unfortunately all too common scenario to a personal relationship gone bad. You both court each other, you date, you get married and then the divorce comes and things get ugly. This should NEVER happen to you.
Here it is in a nutshell- Once your tenant doesn't pay the monthly rent, they may very well realize that you are much more stuck than they are. They may not look like the type of people who would act this way, and you may think that the monthly rental price of your home, apartment or condo may almost make you immune to that sort of tenant behavior, but it doesn't.
Alright, face it. Right now you're stuck. It's a horrible feeling, You're stuck with a mortgage on that property, tenants that are behind in the rent, or who won't pay, and it's YOU who has to pay money to evict them and draw out the process for that much longer. It's awful.
The best trick that I have up my sleeve for this to help you is to offer to PAY THEM to leave by a certain date. Do this verbally, and only put it in writing for BOTH of you to sign the day they give you the keys and leave. If you have to sweeten the pot for them to vacate, put it in writing that you will not pursue a lawsuit to recoup any monies owed.
The most important thing to remember is to time it just right, and make the amount worth their while, so they take the offer... and leave.
NOW THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF ALL. NEVER, EVER attempt to rent your property, or accept a tenant for your property without having an experienced Rental Agent assist you (Like Me) None of my clients EVER had to go through any kind of proceeding or negotiating for non-paying tenants, and I am NOT about to break my unblemished record on you.
I run all types of checks on prospective tenants. If they are local, I may even stop by their current residence just to see how clean and well taken care of it is or isn't.
LANDLORD TIP: If you think that getting a reference from the current Landlord is a good idea. Think again. If that tenant is late on his/her payments, or worse yet, doesn't pay that Landlord, I am not quite convinced that you are going to get an honest response. That Landlord wants them out- and you're right there willing to accept his current headache. Forget it. Just forget it.
I have years of experience representing Landlords, and obtaining reports, and reading through the lines. I won't let you get burned.
If you want to or need to get your home or apartment rented,
contact me. I have the answers and WILL get you a tenant.