What are the tools for knocking out money from roommate in CA?

Question

I'm thinking to buy a 2-3 bedroom condo/townhouse. Is it a good idea to live in own property and rent out other rooms?

In a situation when a roommate doesn't pay rent what are the leverage tools to force him to pay in California(except checking his credit story, job offer)?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Your leverage is education. You have to know what tools are available and how to use them. This could be written notices with warnings, fines, eviction proceedings.

It does no good to say, "If I have any problems, I'll just evict the tenant." That only works if you have a properly written lease agreement, you take action in accordance with the lease, and you follow through. Most Landlords fall apart somewhere along the way because they have a weak lease, don't understand how to enforce the lease, or they screw up the eviction process and make matters worse.

I highly recommend "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO because it includes a ton of practical advice, directs you to your state-specific laws, and includes editable forms to help you get started. The lease available from BiggerPockets is significantly better (look under TOOLS > LANDLORD RESOURCES)

Dennis M. · Answer

A big claw hammer oughta get that good for nothing dirtbag to pay up

Jim K. · Answer

@Dennis M.

You beat me to it. I was going with a gorilla suit and a wrecking bar, hiding in the bushes.

Josue Vargas · Answer

Leverage tool = the contract documents (hopefully singed by their parents, and their lawyers, and your lawyers). Or, be a bully (kidding, don't be a bully!).

What are the tools for knocking out money from roommate in CA?

What are the tools for knocking out money from roommate in CA?

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