Collecting unpaid rent after the eviction

[Skip Wilson]

Hello everyone, 

We just finished our first Eviction and the previous tenant still owes us about $8400 in unpaid rent. Luckily the house was in good shape after she left and we were able to clean/fix it up and get a new tenant in the home. 

The house is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Are there any steps that we can take to try and recover the $8400 in unpaid rent payments? Would y'all recommend small claims court? Collections companies? 

Thanks!

Skip

[Stuart Udis]

Not familiar with landlord tenant matters in Vegas but normally when you evict a tenant you seek possession or possession and back rent. What did your complaint seek and was a monetary judgement awarded? If there was no monetary judgment than you have to speak with someone familiar with the local laws and procedures to see whether you can go back for a second bite of the apple and if it's even a worthwhile pursuit. Possession (especially when the property is in good condition) is the ultimate prize. If you weren't awarded a monetary judgment you have to look at the costs associated with obtaining the judgment. Remember, that judgment is a piece of paper. How confident are you that you can turn that piece of paper into cash and how much will it cost you to run down that money? Rarely is $8,400 worth the pursuit.