My tenants gave us a 30 days notice to leave the premises. Their rent check for this month bounced. I have a security deposit in the same amount of the rent. Since they have proved to be dishonest before I believe that they will leave sooner than the end of the month, may take with them the appliances that are in the rental home and since they got three dogs they may leave a mess. How do I stop this abuse and teach these people that they can't leave a life screwing up others'? Can I sue them in a small claim court? By California Law they need to request a preinspection before leaving but they obviousloy are not going to do that. If I give them3 days notice they will drag the eviction process till the end of the month. What can a landlord do to stop this malicious and dishonest behavior?

Yes you can sue them, but you have an even greater lever against them. Did you ask them to make good on the check? If you have and they haven't, swear out a warrant against them for passing a bad check. That is a criminal offense. You can have them arrested.

When faced with going to jail, they may sing a different tune.

File in SCC NOW for the NSF check and any DAMAGES you are allowed under CA NSF rules.

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Originally Posted by monnalisa

My tenants gave us a 30 days notice to leave the premises. Their rent check for this month bounced. I have a security deposit in the same amount of the rent. Since they have proved to be dishonest before I believe that they will leave sooner than the end of the month, may take with them the appliances that are in the rental home and since they got three dogs they may leave a mess. How do I stop this abuse and teach these people that they can't leave a life screwing up others'? Can I sue them in a small claim court? By California Law they need to request a preinspection before leaving but they obviousloy are not going to do that. If I give them3 days notice they will drag the eviction process till the end of the month. What can a landlord do to stop this malicious and dishonest behavior?

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Okay I know the answer to this one! Yes that is right; you can go straight to the Magistrate's office and issue a warrant for a bad check against them. That will stop them in their tracks. You can also give ample notice to the Tenants and inspect the property before they have a chance to mess it up. This will also show them that you mean business about protecting yourself and your appliances.