I am a new landlord and I have to take my tenant to court for failure to pay rent in the last three months? What documents do I need to have ready? I'm kind of nervous... Also, I never got a lead paint certificate.

All you need is the signed lease. Don't worry about the cert that is not grounds for the tenant to not pay.

Why did you wait three months?

Because she kept telling me she's going to pay and she has four children. I'm soft hearted and really should not be in the real estate business (as a landlord). I guess I should have filed when she didn't pay the first month..

Ok, unless you are wealthy and want to run a welfare flop house, you have to set up rules and follow them.

1. never rent without a complete background search, and promises are to laugh at, ask for a post dated check, ( a bad check criminal charge helps move out people fast)

But after 10 or 14 days late ( what ever your written contract states) start the eviction.

I advise on a landlord on the first rental, hire an attorney, have them do you a lease, also have them write you standard notice letters for various problems, and be ready to file.

Thanks for the great advice!