I evicted an infant!

Yup, how much more cold-blooded can I get? Is there anything more typical of the evil landlord than to evict a couple and their 2-month old? Oh, did I mention it was probably the hottest day of the year? A real heatwave with actual temps reaching close to 100. Well, I didn’t do it. I mean, yeah, I carried out the eviction with the help of the constable, but that little baby can thank her parents’ for what happened that hot day. This short story is just a reminder that as a landlord, sometimes you have to do difficult things. Sometimes you have to do things that might make you look like a real heartless jerk to those not understanding the whole story. But as landlords, we’re in the business of renting out safe, clean homes. This is different than providing free housing.

The eviction wasn’t filled with drama. There was no screaming and yelling. There was no cussing. There were no nasty looks. Just business. They didn’t pay rent, so I immediately filed for rent court. Weeks later, court happened and I got judgment. There was still no payment, so days after that, I filed for the Warrant, aka the eviction. I didn’t hound my tenants with texts, letters, emails, or phone calls asking about my due rent. I let the paperwork do the talking and their actions (or lack of) do the talking.

I did at one point a few days before eviction receive a text from them saying that they were seeing a few mice and bugs in the apartment. The mother of the infant mentioned how she was worried said bugs/spiders would “crawl on the baby.” I couldn’t help but feel this was some sort of way to possibly delay the inevitable? I had just spent over $400 on extermination for this 2-unit building. I asked the downstairs neighbors how things were regarding pests and they happily responded that it was just fine. So I chose not to respond to that text about bugs and mice; I would be there to see for myself in a few days anyway for the eviction.

Once the couple and their infant were out of the apartment thanks to the constable, I took a look around. They took the bare necessities since they were in the process of moving out as I showed up with the constable. I’m left with a small couch, random chairs, a table, other stuff, and trash. The stovetop had 3 pots full of food. The sink had dirty dishes. I saw a full garbage bag of what looked to be dirty diapers. I took out this kind of trash before locking up and going back to my 9-5 job. I shook my head remembering that text complaining about bugs and mice.

If you want to be a landlord–especially in a lower-income type area (but could be a nice area too)–you have GOT to be tough and stick to the laws and to your lease. Don’t put up with late rent. Don’t feel guilty for evicting an infant on a 97 degree day. Don’t let people make their problems become yours. This job doesn’t need to be anymore stressful and tough than you let it be.

Happy investing!