I recently had tenants in a rental house that left without telling me at the end of their lease. They had said that they were going to sign a new lease, but when I stopped by, the key was in the door and the neighbor said that they had left with a u-haul. The house was completely destroyed. Holes in doors and walls, broken windows, missing drawers to the kitchen cabinets, carpet destroyed and ripped up, and all the junk they didn't want to take was left behind. I was able to obtain an address and found that they had moved to Florida. They also had been faking references by using cell phones and being references for themselves. I have their $500 damage deposit, but there is thousands in damage. Do I have any chance of receiving any through small claims court now that they have moved out of state? Thanks for your time!

Hello dls:

I wouldn't bet on it. Even if you manage to sue them interstate and win, it's going be up to you to collect...

If you want to stay in the landlord business, you need to be a little more hands on. Last months rent, plus a full month deposit isn't at all unreasonable.

excon

That was the impression that I've gotten from everyone, thanks for your time. I'm going to fix the damages and sell it and not have to worry about it anymore