Updated over 9 years ago on . Most recent reply
Eviction - damage, no rent, avoiding
A tenant in a unit of our duplex has become quite a problem over the last 5 weeks ago. Five weeks ago she became to exhibit odd behaviors. She lost her key on a Saturday, and I made her a new one on that Sunday and delivered it free of charge. She called 2-3 hours later stating that the key wasn't working and that the door needed fixed. My husband and I arrive within 5 minutes of her voicemail and she has busted out the glass in the door and taken a hammer to the door chiseling out the latch deadbolt. She yelled at us that we changed the locks, when she's had the same door and lock for the last 8 years. (Mental health issues have been identified from tenant's sister).
We had to replace the door and did so - installed 6 days after her damage. We gave her notice that we weren't renewing her lease that expires Nov 1 and informed her we were keeping her initial deposit from her damages. We've not received rent for September and gave her the legal 14 days to pay for TN. We've knocked on the door, left a letter in her door and mailbox, left 2-3 voicemails, and even sent a certified letter stating we are giving her a 30-day notice to vacate due to nonpayment. She refused the certified letter and it was sent back to us. We did walk the unit today and no indication she is packing. We are consluting with a lawyer Thursday.
Any tips, guidance, or ideas on how to handle her avoidance and/or not spend the $$$ to go through the eviction process?