Any advice for my first eviction in MN?

[Jennifer Rysdam]

I have a drunk, disruptive, rude, pot smoking, 65 year old tenant on a month-to-month that I gave 30 days notice to last month. He decided not to pay the rent, so I gave him the $25 late fee and then a 14 day notice to pay or quit. He's still there. He's been saying he was moving out on the 30th but might need more time because he had to wait for someone else to move. Now he says he bought a house and is closing the end of the week. All lies. I'm charging him double rent since the 20th, per the lease agreement, and now I need to file the eviction. Any advice?? I'm hiring an attorney. He says it could cost up to $1500 but that it will be cut and dry since it's a month-to-month lease and I gave him the proper notice.

[Hubert Kim]

Sorry for the unfortunate situation. It sounds like you are going through the correct process. The only suggestion I would offer is to estimate the costs associated with eviction and, before a large chunk of legal fees are actually incurred, give an incentive for the tenant to vacate voluntarily. For example, you could offer to waive all past due rent and late fees if he voluntarily vacates in 10 days (so, you will lose about 1.5 months or rent?). During this time, you may still continue with the eviction process.

If you believe the tenant will be very difficult and collecting on an eventual judgement futile, then even cash for keys may be an option.

In any case, this situation may be hard. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.