Collection of dues and unpaid rent

Dallas, Texas
General Landlording & Rental Properties
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Collection of dues and unpaid rent

Ananth Subramanian
Member since 2024 · 23 posts · 4 votes

Am I the only one having the problem of rental collection. One of my tenants is evading me when asked about rental dues and unpaid rent. They don’t answer my text or phone and requesting a time for a conversation goes unheeding. Can someone advise how to deal with this situation? Is pressing for eviction the only alternative?

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Ananth Subramanian:

They know rent is due. It's a common mistake to think you can remind them enough times that they'll suddenly grow a conscience and pay you everything they owe and apologize.

Start the eviction process. Don't stop unless they pay everything they owe with certified funds. If you're not comfortable with the eviction process, hire an attorney.

https://guides.sll.texas.gov/landlord-tenant-law/eviction-pr...


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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Ananth Subramanian:

    They know rent is due. It's a common mistake to think you can remind them enough times that they'll suddenly grow a conscience and pay you everything they owe and apologize.

    Start the eviction process. Don't stop unless they pay everything they owe with certified funds. If you're not comfortable with the eviction process, hire an attorney.

    https://guides.sll.texas.gov/landlord-tenant-law/eviction-pr...


    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
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  • Avi Turkia
    Flipper/Rehabber · Dallas, TX · Member since 2018 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    2y

    You're definitely not alone—unfortunately, dealing with unresponsive tenants and unpaid rent is a common issue for many landlords. If your tenant is consistently avoiding communication and not paying rent, eviction might be a necessary next step to regain control of your property.

    If you'd like guidance on how to proceed, feel free to reach out to NTX Eviction. We can help you understand your options and guide you through the eviction process if needed. Visit our website at https://www.ntxeviction.com/ for more information or to get started. We're here to assist you through this challenging situation.

    0Reply
  • Andy Bahr
    Real Estate Agent · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2024 · 23 posts · 21 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Ananth Subramanian:

    Am I the only one having the problem of rental collection. One of my tenants is evading me when asked about rental dues and unpaid rent. They don’t answer my text or phone and requesting a time for a conversation goes unheeding. Can someone advise how to deal with this situation? Is pressing for eviction the only alternative?


     Hi Ananth!

    Unfortunately, it's a numbers game. If you have enough rentals or do it for long enough, you'll run into folks who take advantage of the system. Personally, I try to do cash for keys to get them to leave. It is faster and cheaper. However, once they are 30 days late, they automatically are sent to the eviction attorney, if not sooner. For me, I like to have a predictable system. It takes the emotion out of it and also puts me more in control. If I am constantly waiting to hear back from a tenant, I just assume worst case scenario and speed up the process. Again, non emotional. I also have a property manager in place which makes things much easier. And of course doing your best to vet to find the best tenants upfront, will save you some of the issues later. However, it can sound easier than it is. Overall, I have a system and take the long term approach/vision. I hope this helps.

    0Reply
  • Joe Norman
    Property Manager · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    We start the eviction process on the first day Maryland allows us to, even with tenants who are communicating with us and have a payment plan in place. You never know whats going to happen and want to have that option and the warrant in your files in case you need to act on it.

    0Reply
  • Gregory SchwartzBusiness Member
    Rental Property Investor · College Station, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    The notice on the door, along with a text that day, reads, "Steve, I've tried to get in touch with you about the past-due rent. Unfortunately, I have to post notice. Please contact me ASAP or pay in full before xx date, or I will have to file for eviction." 

    Expect 1 of 3 things

    1. Pay rent (this will likely happen again next month, we don't renew people who can't afford to pay rent on time)

    2. They hit you with the excuses. We allow a payment plan but the rent has to be paid in full by the end of the month. 

    3. They don't have the money and they skip. Check on the property regularly to make sure it's not sitting vacant with a wide open door. 

    [email protected]443-812-0357
    Schwartz Realty Group5118 Reviews
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  • Mackaylee BeachPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 492 votes
    2y

    You shouldn't need to send multiple reminders; tenants are generally aware of their rent due dates and are conscious of any delays. I suggest providing necessary notices promptly and keeping copies for your records. Eviction proceedings should be initiated without delay.

    [email protected]
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  • Ananth Subramanian
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 23 posts · 4 votes
    2y

    Hello Andy, what do you mean by cash for keys?

    0Reply
  • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    @Ananth Subramanian who's training who here and who's in charge?

    You should have immediately sent an eviction notice when they missed their rent due date!

    THEN you can delay sending it to an attorney for a bit if they want to communicate and COOPERATE.

    Why would they ignore you if they had the funds to pay?

    Logical Property Management4.9455 Reviews
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  • Jake KnightPro Member
    Property Manager · Indianapolis · Member since 2017 · 303 posts · 146 votes
    2y

    This is one of the least glamorous aspects of managing properties.  Eviction would be the route I would take.  

    0Reply
  • Diego AlvaradoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Flower Mound, TX · Member since 2016 · 298 posts · 140 votes
    2y

    This has to be part of you process to manage your properties. In my case it is defined as follows:

    - unresponsive by 15, written notice in the door.

    - unresponsive by 30, eviction process starts

    - excuses with no payment by the 30, eviction process starts

    They can simply delay this by making small payments, communicating properly and proposing solutions.

    Don't feel bad to file an eviction, one way to look at it if that they will learn from it.

    [email protected]214-833-8911
    Alvarado Realty Group522 Reviews
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  • Ananth Subramanian
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 23 posts · 4 votes
    2y

    Hello, when you say 15 30 are you referring to the days?

    0Reply
  • Adam BartomeoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    When a tenant is not paying rent and goes "dark" you need to follow your process for eviction and continue to communicate this to the tenant. Our first step after posting a 3 day without a response is to do a safety check. Sometimes they have moved out and other times we find out that they are in the hospital. Most of the time they are just dodging rent. Continue to follow the eviction process until they respond or are evicted.

    [email protected]239-339-3969
    Bartomeo Property Management4.7150 Reviews
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  • Ananth Subramanian
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 23 posts · 4 votes
    2y

    Thanks everyone for your response. I did try to reach them in person but the tenant refused to see me. They sent me a text message saying they will be moving out early next month that is good indication. But I was told that I will not receiving my dues and the rent for this month. This is a bummer. I was so nice and kind to them allowing flexible rent payments but not sure why I had to encounter such a rude behavior from the tenant. Anyways I have gone ahead and file a small claims case.

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  • Adam BartomeoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    We would immediately file for eviction!

    [email protected]239-339-3969
    Bartomeo Property Management4.7150 Reviews
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