How are you handling non-paying Tenants?

How are you handling non-paying Tenants?

Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes

There are good tenants falling on hard times...and then there are the bad Tenants.

When a good renter falls on hard times, they communicate with the Landlord or Property Manager regularly. They seek advice and assistance from the organizations available. They do what they can to avoid getting too far behind, even if it's just a payment of $100 per week or asking to break their lease and move out. They try to make the best of a difficult situation.

Then there are the bad Tenants. They may be able to afford the rent, but see the eviction moratorium as an opportunity to "stick it to the man" by refusing to pay rent. Some of them are financially capable of paying but decide to use their stimulus check and bonus unemployment to buy a brand new car (I had one of these). They refuse to respond to text, email, calls, or notices posted on their door. 

You can't evict them through the courts (thanks, tax dollars!). So what creative methods are you using to deal with these difficult renters that refuse to pay or communicate?

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Rental Property Investor · East Wenatchee, WA · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
5y

Termination of m2m agreements, inspections, compliance as to house rules, vehicles, animals, guests, large friends checking in, cash for keys if needed.  

Don't have to just sit and take it if they're taking advantage. Lots of reasons other than non-payment of rent. 

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  • Member since 2021 · 109 posts · 130 votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Ming Wan:

    I was at the rental earlier this week and the tenant let me fix something in the garage. I noticed that they'd modified the garage (sheetrock and paint) to make it habitable without informing me. I have pictures.

    I then gave the tenant 72 hours notice to inspect (used the standard CA form). The tenant texted me back saying they are worried they have COVID and would like me to cancel my inspection until they get results. My lease has a right to inspect clause.

    What are my options? I am not finding any COVID declaration that prohibits me from entering. 

    Would love to hear your thoughts @Nathan Gesner or @Steve Vaughan

    If they are paying rent, let it go till the rent moratorium is over and courts are open and then demand inspection (within state timeline) and evict. If they aren't paying rent, go inspect. You don't owe them an explanation about if you are worried about their "covid symptoms" while looking in garage. Respond saying I will wear gloves, and a mask and the garage door can be open - I will  be there at X time. Take pictures of illegal unit, of yourself inspecting wearing a mask in the garage, and evict whenever courts are open. I am sure your lease prohibits modifications, sublets, etc.

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    5y

    I agree with myself. Send them a Notice to Cure or Quit that includes a deadline and another inspection. If they fix everything to your satisfaction, they get to stay. If not, you can start the eviction process. One week should be more than enough time. I usually give 72 hours for unauthorized occupants and animals.

    The eviction moratorium only addresses non-payment of rent. You can still evict for other reasons, allegedly. However, I would try to get them to correct the issues or move out voluntarily because the court may not want to deal with you at this moment.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Upstate, NY · Member since 2012 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y

    We have been very fortunate & we had 5 units vacate in June-July 2020. All left amicably & we were able to raise the rents $100-$150/month & move in new quality screened tenants without any downtime or damage/repairs. 

    We took in 2 young couples who work from home (so threw in the high speed internet) & a couple of 50+ yr old single ladies, one of whom took the 3rd floor apartment?? The other studio went to an older contractor who has been very handy around the property. He & one of the older women get assistance from social services (we completed the required forms), even though they both work part-time. 

    Yet we have one REI friend who has 16 doors & the ONLY one who has NOT paid rent is an old family friend on social disability.

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