Bad tenant won’t pay

[Jay Ayuso]

Have a tenant who won’t pay rent changed the locks won’t get out etc in the Philadelphia area courts super backed up any advice from someone familiar with Philadelphia area 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Jay Ayuso:

Have a tenant who won’t pay rent changed the locks won’t get out etc in the Philadelphia area courts super backed up any advice from someone familiar with Philadelphia area 

Welcome to the BiggerPockets forums!

Many Tenants will disappear once they see you're serious. Before starting with an attorney, you can try a written notice to the Tenant that you will forgive their debt if they move out in seven days, leave the place empty, and turn over the keys. If they don't, you'll take them to court and hold them responsible for all unpaid rent, cleaning and repairs, court costs, attorney fees, etc.

If that doesn't work, hire an attorney. Even if the courts are backed up, you should start the process. You can always cancel if the Tenant vacates.

[Eric Greenberg]

Hi Jay,

Did they change the locks or did you? Did their background check show any trend pf this behavior? 

I would reach out to a local RE attorney who specialized in evictions as like you said the courts are very backed up and youll have to still go through the Diversion Program (https://eviction-diversion.phi...). Could be worth a cash for keys discussion due to the timeline in the city. 

[Theresa Harris]

Nathan is right.  Start the paperwork now, but give them a chance to go peacefully.  Also tell them that you need a key as it is your house and if there is an emergency you need to get in.  If they fail to do so, you will have the locks changed (and give them a copy of the new key).

[Eric Greenberg]

[Curtis Mears]

@Jay Ayuso

I am not familiar with Philly, but have you done all the steps necessary to proceed with eviction? I my area, we are required to send a notice to pay within 10 days. Once you have followed the legal process, then hire an attorney if necessary.

[Marisa Amirian]

Start the process ASAP! we are going through eviction process now in Philly...you need to document everything and follow the process.  At some point in the process a sheriff will get involved.  You just need to get it going.  

[Eliott Elias]

Sounds like you need to start investing in Texas