[novicelandlord]

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.

[ScottGem]

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?

[novicelandlord]

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..

[Fr_Chuck]

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.

[novicelandlord]

Thanks for the great advice!