What should I do about Tenant's inappropriate behavior?

What should I do about Tenant's inappropriate behavior?

Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2017 · 3 posts · 0 votes
I am a landlord. One of my tenants hasn't paid their monthly rent. I've contacted them many times, text, call, and in person, yet they still haven't paid the rent which includes the late fee. However, the tenant seems to ignore their responsibility to pay rent still. When I went to try to talk to them in person again, the tenant refused to open the door when I knocked (they can be seen watching tv by the window). So after I texted about wanting to go to court because of avoidance, the tenant notified me about inhabitiual conditions in the house. Which was the first time, I've heard about since months that they have moved in. So, can I envict or sue tenant for breaching the lease? The tenant accuses that the house is a "dump" infested with bugs, with no proper stove, or fire alarm (there's actually two working fire alarm when I checked last time). It has also been a week after the due date of the rent. Summary: Tenant avoids calls/texts. Doesn't pay rent nor the late fee. Tells me (the landlord) about inhabitiual conditions for the first time, after months of living in the house, when I texted them about taking the issue to court. What should or could I do?
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Investor · Winter Garden, FL · Member since 2017 · 86 posts · 74 votes
9y

Don't chase your rent. If your tenant doesn't pay on the due date/by the end of the grace period, post a "quit or pay" as soon as legally possible. And always follow through. 

At this point, I'd keep all communication in writing, and document everything. 

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  • Roy N.Pro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Fredericton, New Brunswick · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    9y

    Start taking the steps necessary for an eviction.  Next time screen your candidates more thoroughly.

  • Investor · Winter Garden, FL · Member since 2017 · 86 posts · 74 votes
    9y

    Don't chase your rent. If your tenant doesn't pay on the due date/by the end of the grace period, post a "quit or pay" as soon as legally possible. And always follow through. 

    At this point, I'd keep all communication in writing, and document everything. 

  • Escrow Officer · Ewing, NJ · Member since 2017 · 35 posts · 16 votes
    9y

    Previous responses are accurate. These aren't childhood friendships you are trying to maintain, this is a business dealing that requires legal remedy. In addition to filing the paperwork for eviction, you should really consider hiring a property manager. 

    People that become landlords have to consider that rent collection/ eviction is a difficult process (with the wrong tenant) and there is no shame in outsourcing the work. 

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