Consecutive Late Rent and Unresponsive Tenant
I had a tenant move in a couple months back and seemed like a good tenant. Didn't have an issue supplying the deposit and 1st months rent of 1,700 each. However, for rent due on the 1st of May they were not only late, but had to go through social services to supply the rent. Discussed this in the first month and allowed for this while still charging a late fee which they paid. They mentioned they had unforeseen monetary issues come up. Now this month, they haven't paid the rent, and I've sent another late fee notice. They haven't answered the phone when I've called to discuss when they will be able to pay and are very unresponsive to text messages as well.
Are there any other options I have, or do I need to reach out to an eviction attorney and let them handle it from here?
Also, any recommendations for an eviction attorney South East of the Houston area to discuss with?
I think you got a professional tenant. What did their credit and income look like?
I would start the eviction process. Check with your local REIA for an attorney
Agree with joe
It will cost you but they have no intention of paying
Quote from @Joe Martella:
I think you got a professional tenant. What did their credit and income look like?
I would start the eviction process. Check with your local REIA for an attorney
Yeah, I'm questioning that as well. Their income was a little over 3 times the rent and the credit score was just under 600. Thank you for your advice.
#2 General Landlording & Rental Properties Contributor
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#2 General Landlording & Rental Properties Contributor
go by and post a notice that you are doing an inspection. Something may have happened related to the unforeseen money issues and they may have bailed.
Quote from @Kyle Ratzlaff:
I had a tenant move in a couple months back and seemed like a good tenant. Didn't have an issue supplying the deposit and 1st months rent of 1,700 each. However, for rent due on the 1st of May they were not only late, but had to go through social services to supply the rent. Discussed this in the first month and allowed for this while still charging a late fee which they paid. They mentioned they had unforeseen monetary issues come up. Now this month, they haven't paid the rent, and I've sent another late fee notice. They haven't answered the phone when I've called to discuss when they will be able to pay and are very unresponsive to text messages as well.
Are there any other options I have, or do I need to reach out to an eviction attorney and let them handle it from here?
Also, any recommendations for an eviction attorney South East of the Houston area to discuss with?
They're sucking you into a game. The lack of communication is one of the biggest red flags.
Find an attorney and start the termination/eviction process immediately. Even if they catch up, work on termination because they are unlikely to get better.
Quote from @Kyle Ratzlaff:
I had a tenant move in a couple months back and seemed like a good tenant. Didn't have an issue supplying the deposit and 1st months rent of 1,700 each. However, for rent due on the 1st of May they were not only late, but had to go through social services to supply the rent. Discussed this in the first month and allowed for this while still charging a late fee which they paid. They mentioned they had unforeseen monetary issues come up. Now this month, they haven't paid the rent, and I've sent another late fee notice. They haven't answered the phone when I've called to discuss when they will be able to pay and are very unresponsive to text messages as well.
Are there any other options I have, or do I need to reach out to an eviction attorney and let them handle it from here?
Also, any recommendations for an eviction attorney South East of the Houston area to discuss with?
I agree with the rest. Start the eviction process. A notice to vacate gives the tenants 3 days to move before you start the eviction suit. If you already sent notice of late fee. Might as well send the Notice to Vacate. If tenants are already acting this way, be prepared not to get paid the coming month. If you need an attorney, feel free to private message me. Walter & Truong PLLC law firm handles real estate law, business law, and estate planning. We do evictions.
Nancy Truong, Texas Attorney
Quote from @Kyle Ratzlaff:
I had a tenant move in a couple months back and seemed like a good tenant. Didn't have an issue supplying the deposit and 1st months rent of 1,700 each. However, for rent due on the 1st of May they were not only late, but had to go through social services to supply the rent. Discussed this in the first month and allowed for this while still charging a late fee which they paid. They mentioned they had unforeseen monetary issues come up. Now this month, they haven't paid the rent, and I've sent another late fee notice. They haven't answered the phone when I've called to discuss when they will be able to pay and are very unresponsive to text messages as well.
Are there any other options I have, or do I need to reach out to an eviction attorney and let them handle it from here?
Also, any recommendations for an eviction attorney South East of the Houston area to discuss with?
The first rule is to live there and SHARE the property. That way they are not tenants and have no rights (at least in my area). The second things go south they are evicted. Hopefully you find a replacement before their security deposit has evaporated. Most places only give you 2 weeks. When you live with people its a lot harder to avoid you and pretend the didn't get your legal notices. I used to always learn the skills of the people before they moved in. That way if they fall behind and can't find work maybe I can hire them for something. One guy was a month behind (which was very rare for my operation) and he worked it off getting paid 50% cash and 50% going to his debt. Paid off every penny. I told so many of his acquaintances/family of his responsibility and my appreciation of his honesty. Its not about the money, its about the integrity. Like when people pay you a debt AFTER they left and you don't know where they are. That's so nice.
Remember: Always be close to your investment. Living IN your investment is taking this to the highest level. It should be called Max Management.
Quote from @Nancy Truong:Thanks Nancy. I've already started the process, but I'll keep you in mind for the future.
Quote from @Kyle Ratzlaff:
I had a tenant move in a couple months back and seemed like a good tenant. Didn't have an issue supplying the deposit and 1st months rent of 1,700 each. However, for rent due on the 1st of May they were not only late, but had to go through social services to supply the rent. Discussed this in the first month and allowed for this while still charging a late fee which they paid. They mentioned they had unforeseen monetary issues come up. Now this month, they haven't paid the rent, and I've sent another late fee notice. They haven't answered the phone when I've called to discuss when they will be able to pay and are very unresponsive to text messages as well.
Are there any other options I have, or do I need to reach out to an eviction attorney and let them handle it from here?
Also, any recommendations for an eviction attorney South East of the Houston area to discuss with?
I agree with the rest. Start the eviction process. A notice to vacate gives the tenants 3 days to move before you start the eviction suit. If you already sent notice of late fee. Might as well send the Notice to Vacate. If tenants are already acting this way, be prepared not to get paid the coming month. If you need an attorney, feel free to private message me. Walter & Truong PLLC law firm handles real estate law, business law, and estate planning. We do evictions.
Nancy Truong, Texas Attorney
To add to this. To find an eviction attorney, I recommend that you reach out to your local REIA. They will have an attorney that specializes in evictions and would be less costly than an attorney that doesn't do evictions regularly.
@Kyle Ratzlaff I would keep it simple: follow the lease, state laws, and issue proper notices. For example, if the rent is due on the 1st then issue the proper notice as soon as your laws allow (pay or quit etc...) without hesitation or discussion. Follow the process and the letter of the law.
Sheesh, that's awful. Glad you started the eviction process.
