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View Full Version : Tenant left owes rent how can I find


landlord1776
Sep 7, 2008, 04:12 PM
Tenant left a rental I own in PA without paying outstanding rent and some utilities which were in my name but she was to pay. I have her SS# & DL # but she left no forwarding address and refused to give one when she left. Would not meet for inspection on departure just sent a text telling me the keys were there. How can I find her to sue her in small claims court?

ScottGem
Sep 7, 2008, 04:17 PM
You don't need to find her to sue her, just to collect. You file suit and hire a process server to serve her summons. If she doesn't show up after the process server makes every attempt required by law, then you will get a default judgement. Then comes the hard part, trying to collect. If she skipped out on the rent, she probably doesn't have much in the way of assets. If she paid by check, you might have her bank account, but the likelihood is she closed it.

For future reference, you need to obtain more info before renting. Getting the SSN and DL# is not enough, you need employer info, references, etc.

PAICHE
Sep 7, 2008, 04:26 PM
Is not much what you can do but you can file a case in your local city building,but consider your expenses,and if you try backraound check I think you can try but will be to soon to establish any phone,or new address records,in uspeoplesearch.com,next time I sugest to you make a proper screening process,check everithing job history,last landlord references they never be wrong,check evictions ,do not feel afraid ,usually good tenants pay screening process and give you all their information,next time for all you propeties use THELPA.COM , membership they give you forms,lyour legals rights as a landlord,use their direcctions,you can find there a free forms and you will be save a lot time and money,good luck!

landlord1776
Sep 7, 2008, 04:45 PM
Thanks for the advice. At the time the tenant moved in I had an employer who I spoke with and she was moving out of her mother's house. Not a young person 38 at the time. I also checked all of her references at that time it was after a year that she decided to pull this on me.

ScottGem
Sep 7, 2008, 04:47 PM
So you have references? Have you tried using them to find her?

PAICHE
Sep 8, 2008, 09:14 AM
If you need any screening form let me know I will email you,sorry scott I'm trying to learn english,I'm agree my grammar is terrible.