Rental Property Eviction

[Chase Wippert]

Hello BP,

I have a rental property that I am starting the eviction process on here in lake oswego (clackamas county) outside of the portland metro. Tenant has lived in the property for 2 years. Tenant just stopped paying rent halfway through November ( still owed half for November) and hasnt paid anything in December. I gave the 72 hour notice for non payment of rent and am deciding between getting the eviction paperwork filed with the county ( along with hiring a lawyer) and offering cash for keys .....  Tenant has friends ( whom I suspect are doing drugs) that moved in and arent paying him anything, hes using this as his reason for not paying the monthly rent. I am worried I offer cash for keys and the other squatters stay. 

Thanks for the input, 

[Mathew Wray]

@Chase Wippert

Sorry you're going through an eviction, especially this time of year when your mind is likely focused on (or wanting to be focused on) the holidays. Every state has different laws on the processes so I'd be cautious on general statements. Knowing some of the penalties for messing up how you deliver notice and follow-up (delays, damages, thrown out cases, starting over, etc.) as well as how easy it is for a tenant to find a Tenant's Right's attorney, I'd 100% check with an experienced attorney here in town prior to taking another step. They'll be able to guide you on your options and make sure you fulfill your obligations according to the letter of the law. 

Yes, it's going to cost you a few extra bucks to consult with an attorney, but I think that's far more appealing than having to pay one even more money to help clean up a mess or represent you against a tenant's attorney. You've already said you're worried that cash for keys might not work, so do yourself a favor and get the pro's advice now. 

Send me a message or text if you need a referral to a great attorney we and our clients use. 

Either way, best of luck!

Mathew