All Forum Posts by: Lauren Kalisz

Hi,

I am having an extremely difficult time with a tenant that has not paid his rent for 2 months. I gave him a 30 day notice to leave on March 1 as he was fighting with other tenants, and he still has yet to leave. I offered him $1,000 for the keys, he is sort of receptive but he won't make a definitive agreement. I have also filed an eviction on March 31, 2022 and I am still waiting to hear back for a court date. Does anyone know the turn around time for the eviction process after covid? I know the courts are very backed up, but it would be helpful to get some understanding of when I can expect this. He is disruptive to neighbors, created heavy property damage, and does not handle his trash properly causing a mess all over the lawn. Is there any escalation to the eviction process if the tenant is destructive?

I am also paying for the electricity as I was managing it for the unit. Do I have to continue to supply and pay for his electricity or can I remove that service and he can figure it out for himself? Should I offer him more money? 

If there are any other suggestions on getting reckless non-paying tenants out that have worked for you in the past please let me know.

Really appreciate any advice or suggestions you can provide. Thank you

Thanks so much!

I had a tenant who did not pay 3 months rent from Jan-March in the total of $5,700. They have vacated the property and told me they have left the country, although this could easily not be true. They have blocked my phone number and email, I have no way to get in contact with them. Is it even in my interest to sue them for the back rent owed at this point? I know there are government assistance programs at this time due to covid. Is there any that work with landlords in this situation that does not need the tenant involved? Thanks so much!

Hi All- 

Looking for insight on a situation I have with a previous tenant.  Long story short, their lease was due to expire on June 1, 2020, but in February they requested a lease break to exit the unit on April 1, 2020.  As per their lease, any lease break forfeits the return of the security deposit and tenant is responsible for the remaining balance due to the end of the lease term.  However, because they were good tenants I agreed via text message that if the unit could be occupied by April 1 and the unit was in good standing, I would give the security deposit back.  Come March 2020, the world has shut down due to Covid and the circumstances changed. I was no longer able to fulfill the text agreement as the unit was not filled on April 1 (It filled on April 15), I was unable to travel to the unit to make sure it was in good standing, and I was extremely financially uncertain at that time.  I offered them $1,000 of the $2700 as a gesture, but they refused it and are now taking me to court for the total amount.  My question is will this text hold up in court or will the lease terms override it'?  I feel like I do not owe them the deposit as per the lease, but wanted to see if pursuing this in court is worth the time. For reference, this is in New Jersey. I appreciate any advice or insight as this is my first legal obligation with a tenant! Thank so much!!