Tenant refuse to pay rent what are my options

[Mushtaq G.]

Hi my tenant has stopped paying rent, she says she lost the job and wants to vacate even-though she signed lease for 12 months, can I call the collection agency ? What are my options? Please advise

[Patricia Steiner]

Actually, she's doing you a favor by leaving. I would let her know that eviction proceedings are being filed and ask if she wants to voluntarily leave right away versus going through that process.  If she can vacate quickly, keep her security deposit and then find that next great tenant.  You have the contractual right to pursue collection but the reality is you're better off getting a new tenant to minimize interruption of your cash flow.