Rental Property Investor · Mount Laurel, NJ · Member since 2015 · 55 posts · 9 votes
We just had a new tenant move in on October 1, security deposit and first months rent were paid to us fine, no issues. Come November 1, we did not receive our rent, so I reached out to the tenant and she played it off that she flat out forgot. The next day is when we finally received a paypal notification for the rent that was due. This was sent through some sort of e-check. The status was still in pending, so I never received the payment, then I get an email from paypal that the tenants bank declined the transaction. I get a hold of the tenant, she claims she got hacked and there is fraud involved, and that she is working with the fraud team to get this resolved. I stressed to her that regardless of her situation, we still need rent asap, and since that conversation, she has gone silent. I have a strong feeling we are not getting our rent and need to know if this is an eviction type situation that I should pursue? Also, would it be effective if I go to the property and knock on her door? I've sent her tons of emails, texts, phone calls/voicemails, and she ignores it all.
I’ve had this happen before from a couple tenants concerning the fraud allegations that somebody hacked their account or stole their identity . I inform them they are almost always broke with bad credit so no one could ever want their identity lol do not believe this nonsense . Follow the laws post the quit or pay notice then eviction if it doesn’t get better ,
Issue the pay or quit notice and then proceed with the eviction. It is easy to postpone these things and next thing you know, you're into the next months rent. Stay on top of it and issue the notice when it's due.
I’ve had this happen before from a couple tenants concerning the fraud allegations that somebody hacked their account or stole their identity . I inform them they are almost always broke with bad credit so no one could ever want their identity lol do not believe this nonsense . Follow the laws post the quit or pay notice then eviction if it doesn’t get better ,
We just had a new tenant move in on October 1, security deposit and first months rent were paid to us fine, no issues. Come November 1, we did not receive our rent, so I reached out to the tenant and she played it off that she flat out forgot. The next day is when we finally received a paypal notification for the rent that was due. This was sent through some sort of e-check. The status was still in pending, so I never received the payment, then I get an email from paypal that the tenants bank declined the transaction. I get a hold of the tenant, she claims she got hacked and there is fraud involved, and that she is working with the fraud team to get this resolved. I stressed to her that regardless of her situation, we still need rent asap, and since that conversation, she has gone silent. I have a strong feeling we are not getting our rent and need to know if this is an eviction type situation that I should pursue? Also, would it be effective if I go to the property and knock on her door? I've sent her tons of emails, texts, phone calls/voicemails, and she ignores it all.
There is 1 and only 1 course of action here. Begin the eviction process immediately.
Just in case you didn't get the messages, you should proceed with pay or quit immediately, which I would deliver in person. And then file eviction after the timeframe for your state. Now, ignore whoever tried talking "blue state", and just follow your state laws on eviction. Do not delay on this, no matter what the tenant says.
@Anthony Wick ok great thanks for all your feedback, we will definitely jump on this and get the eviction process started. Approximately what does it cost a landlord to get through the eviction process?
The eviction process wasn't too bad for me. My attorney charged a flat fee of $300 which included all of the filing fees and he took care of everything for me. I just had to show up at court. This is in a small town though so I'm sure it varies by area.
@Kyle Brown the eviction process becomes increasingly expensive the longer you wait to take action. The legal process is not very expensive at all, unless you involve an attorney. Most leases include that a tenant is responsible for legal fees incurred but you’ll never see those, even if a judgement is granted. It gets expensive if you wait because each month that goes by is lost rent and it will take months. The best case scenario is they get your initial letter and work with you directly to just vacate the property with no further action or rent due. That doesn’t always work but if you can get them to agree in writing to terminate the lease and vacate with no further legal or financial penalty, sometimes that does the trick and is much easier process for both parties.
I'm usually not one to be quick to recommend evicting, but this sounds like a situation that has little to no recourse outside of following eviction proceedings. You've tried communicating multiple times. They haven't paid rent. They're not making any effort to communicate with you. Possibly could conduct a wellness check just to make sure everything is ok.. but I wouldn't wait any longer. Follow the appropriate steps, create a paper trail, and do what you have to do.
Evictions are expensive in Florida but the only one we had, tenants were out in 30 days. Do not postpone it. At least send them the 3 days Notice asap. All the best,
A mistake on the 3 day notice to perform or quit can create serious legal ramifications for you if you tackle the eviction yourself. Make sure you hire an attorney and have him review all posted notices so the eviction can go smoothly.
This is not questioning your screening process, but more for learning - What did her previous landlord(s) say? What did her employer(s) say? What was her credit score? Was she in a rush to move in? Did she take her time during viewing, visualizing why she want to live there?
@Kyle Brown I would consult with a lawyer to find out the legal procedures to start the eviction process. Then decide if you can do it on your own or if you need to hire the lawyer.
I would do this Monday morning. The tenant knows that the rent is due and is choosing not to pay it. I would not knock on her door or call her. I would start the legal process instead to minimize your loss.
Costs a lot less to do it yourself than hiring an attorney. Not sure why so many people always say “hire an attorney” for everything. Google your state guidelines. Charge tenant for all filing fees.
@Alan Grobmeier. Hi i am doing some research before my first investment. Can you provode or point me towards some information on this blue/red state differences in tenant rights, eviction prpcess etc that could help me in my decision?