Question on dealing with a problem tenant post stealth move-out

[Andy Sabisch]

OK, looking for some input on a situation.  Had a tenant behind on the rent and then had one excuse after another as to not paying and then flew off one night.  The security deposit won't cover the damages and we are out the rent.  We can file with the magistrate and go that route but one has to weigh the chance of getting blood from a stone even with a judgement . . .I know some states make it easy but PA is not one of them.

What we do want to do is to try and ensure the next landlord does not find out what great tenants they can be.  The question is can we file something with the credit bureaus or other organization to provide that as a red flag?  Does this require a judgement from the courts before you can file with them?  What actions would you take in this situation?  Thankfully this is the first time we have run into this hence the uncertainty of what can be done.

Thanks