Inherited Tenant Problems... HELP!

[Drey S.]

I bought a 7 unit apartment in June and so far, most of the inherited tenants are great. Having only managed SFRs up to this point, I've never had to deal with "bad" tenants, as I have always been the one screening.

Cut to: One tenant that has been paying rent late every month (or skipping a payment altogether). After I put a 3 day notice to Pay or Quit on his door last month for non-payment of rent, he called and verbally assaulted my assistant - saying we weren't communicating well and should have called to tell him he hadn't paid rent in 2 months. (We had called, but he hadn't answered the phone. ) We have decided to keep all communication with this tenant in writing moving forward. He is on a month to month lease - - but the previous owners only took a $200 deposit. 

This month, his rent was due on the 8th. No call, no check. I phoned him and emailed him explaining the rent was due. Here is the email exchange.

Hi Scott,

As of November 10, 2015, your rent for November has not been received.

Per your lease, your rent is due on the 8th of every month.

Please remit your rent for November immediately to Carol or Bobbie by tomorrow afternoon at 5pm.

Thank you,

Andrea 
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And His Response... As usual, it's nice to hear from you. Unfortunately, rent won't be paid until 11/20/15. Rent next month will be paid on 12/20/15 as well. Because of my vehicle dying, I will not be able to start paying on the 5th until January 2016.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Scott
How do I get this one bad apple to leave without trashing my unit?  Any help with would be greatly appreciated.

[Gerald Harris]

Its a test to help grow you as a land lord

it sucks but it is a test

Unfortunately on this 1 you would follow proper proceedure.  

You can do it yourself but You may end up hiring a Lawyer on this 1

http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/ev...