Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    meadowlarky's Avatar
    meadowlarky Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 9, 2009, 11:45 PM
    Evicted tenants owe money for rent and damages
    We had to evict tenants due to non-payment. They damaged our property, also. They owe over $990 in rent plus over $5000 in damages. They left our property in August 2008. It took 3-4 months to repair and another 2-3 months to re-rent the house.

    Do you recommend we take them to small claims court to try to collect our money? Is a collection agency a better alternative or can we do both?

    Have we waited too long? We did send a certified letter in Sept demanding payment but received no response.
    excon's Avatar
    excon Posts: 21,482, Reputation: 2992
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Apr 10, 2009, 07:49 AM

    Hello m:

    No, from a legal standpoint, you didn't wait too long. From a collection standpoint, you might have...

    With a judgment, you have TEETH. Without one, you got bupkus... Do I need to say more?

    excon
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
    		  
    #3

    Apr 10, 2009, 07:54 AM

    If the amount they owe is within small claims limits then yes sue them. You will probably win the suit (btw you should include the lost rental while the property was repaired). But winning is just part of the issue. You will then need to collect and that's the harder part. If you know where they work or bank, you may be able to garnish wages or attach theur accounts. But I suspect they know that and have made themselves judgement resisitant.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Pay back Rent and damages after eviction [ 3 Answers ]

My tenant has provided all wrong information of the application and now they and inside my house. Deposit check has been bounced and they have declined to coperate and provide any correct information. I have contact local police authorities regarding fraud (wrond ssn, reference, bounced check ect),...

If I owe landlord money other than rent, can I be evicted? [ 4 Answers ]

When I moved into my home in tx, I signed a 6 month lease. The electric was already on in the home under my landlords name, It took us right at a month to get it transferred over. In that month the bill was $700, I try to make some kind of arrangements with the electric company, but since it was in...

When to get $ for fire damages from tenants? [ 4 Answers ]

Tenants in one of my apartments had a kitchen fire two months ago, clearly their fault (grease fire on stove). My homeowners insurance covered most of the $3000+ in damages, and I have told the tenants that they need to cover the $500 deductable. In the meantime, they have fallen behind on rent...

I evicted tenants, I think they moved out but I'm not sure .Can I go in the house ? [ 4 Answers ]

I evicted tenants for non payment of rent. They are very angry even though I gave them 30 days. I think they may have moved out early but I'm not sure. Can I legally go in the house to see if all their things are gone ? I know they have been moving things out. I have already rented the house for...

Refunding Rent to a Tenant and Damages. [ 2 Answers ]

I was leasing a basement of my home to a single mother and her 2 year old daughter, utilities included. All she had to pay was one rent fee per month. It states in the lease that the terms are on a month-to-month basis. There were some issues with her boyfriend (he was sleeping/living there...

View more questions Search