collections vs small claims court after eviction of dead beat tenants

[Account Closed]

Hello,

A tenant was recently evicted because they stopped paying a few months into the lease. They came from out of the city/ state and I believe that is where they returned to. The eviction was uncontested and has been completed. The amount owed is over 4000$. 

A management company found the tenant, but I cancelled their contract after the eviction. The management company did not send required 30 day notice regarding taking security deposit- so I will. I asked them for a ledger of what is owed, but It was missing items. They are not being helpful in updating the ledger. 

I don't expect that the tenants will pay anything- they were some rotten eggs. but I would like the bills on their permanent record. 

What companies would you recommend for debt collection- I am in Florida? Since I wasn't managing the rental at the time of the eviction, can I update the ledger myself, or do I need the management company to do it- legally I mean?

I spoke with the attorney who prepared the lease and did the eviction- he stated that I can charge for July rent (to evicted tenants)- their lease didn't legally end till 1/24- or until the unit is rerented. I expect to have a new tenant in August. I wasn't sure if anyone else has done this?

And do I need to go the route of collections instead of small claims court because the tenants are not local (one is out of state/ other is out of the city)?

Thanks,

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Account Closed:

The rules do not allow me to share who I use for collections, but you can send me a DM and I'll give you their contact information.

I do not use Small Claims court. It takes time and money but doesn't produce any results. I send it straight to collections. They send a demand letter. If Tenant doesn't pay, the balance is reported to the credit reporting agencies. There's a pretty good chance you'll never see a dime of it, but you can at least have the satisfaction of knowing it may make their life a little more difficult and it may prevent them from taking advantage of the next Landlord.