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poor168 · Nov 13, 2008, 12:59 AM

I have a rental unit which is in California. I provide trash, water and sewer. The tenant is not pay the rent since Sept, so I start the process to evict her. Within the time of the process she still stay in the unit. Now, I received my water bill which is 1450.00. She is out of my unit. I would like to know how can I sue her for this water bill. I think she is revenge to me so she let the water run days and nights to drive the water bill to sky high. I do not have her address, she had just out today. And also she is under SSI. Is it possible for me to collect the 1450 water bill and three month unpaid rent. She also vandalize my place. She is very anger about I evicted her. What can I do to protect myself in the future? Please help!

ScottGem · Nov 13, 2008, 07:42 AM

First, you can sue her if you can prove that the water bill was unusually high. You can also sue her for any damages beyond what the deposit covered. But if she is only on SSI there is little likelihood you can collect anything.

As for protecting yourself, did you do a background check? You need to take care in screening tenants.

Bottpmline though is this is part of being a landlord.

poor168 · Nov 13, 2008, 11:31 AM

I have all my pass bill to prove before she move in the average bill was around 250 for every two month. Soon after she move in the first bill was closed to 400. I give her 30 days notice at the same month, now the bill is 1420. Is that enough prove. If I win the case I am still not able to collect my loss. Is it what you mean? So if people with low income or received Government help are free for anything they do. What kind of the law in US. No wonder our County is going down.

ScottGem · Nov 13, 2008, 11:41 AM

Well they are not entirely free, but yes, such people do sometimes take advantage. You should belong to a landlord's association that can post something derogoatory on her credit report. This will make it harder for her to find a place to live and make it easier for other landlords to avoid making the mistake or renting to her.

poor168 · Nov 13, 2008, 11:49 AM

The property I purchase is at a very small town, I am not sure do they have landlord association. How can I find out. I am very appreciate your help.

ScottGem · Nov 13, 2008, 11:59 AM

You may want to look at the county or state level, Try a web search for landlord association state (substitute your state).

poor168 · Nov 13, 2008, 12:35 PM

Thank you very much! I will try to find out.