Eviction Horror Story: Episode 3
As property managers with over 25 years of experience, we’ve seen our fair share of tenants who were more trouble than they were worth.
But our most recent eviction story stands out as a cautionary tale for every landlord.
Let us take you through the relentless cycle of late payments, mounting fees, and legal battles we faced with a tenant in a single-family rental unit we manage. It’s a saga 5 years in the making.
The Tenant’s Troubled Tenure
The tenant moved into the property back in 2019. From day one, she was inconsistent with her rent payments. Instead of paying monthly, she broke up her rent into weekly payments.
While this kept her temporarily afloat, it wasn’t long before the late fees started accumulating. Adding fuel to the fire, utility bills began to pile up as well.
We’d start an eviction process, only for her to miraculously scrape together enough money to pay off the rent just in time. This became a frustrating, repetitive cycle: she’d incur legal and attorney fees, we’d get a judgment, and then she’d somehow find a way to pay the judgment amount.
Since it wasn’t what she owed in full, but covered the judgment amount, we’d legally have to restart the eviction process from scratch every time.
A Year Marked by Struggle
Fast forward to 2024, and the situation took a turn for the worse.
She fell even further behind on her rent and couldn’t commit to a payment plan that would enable her to clear her balance. By this point, the tenant owed over $7,000, including all the legal fees, back rent, utilities, and late fees.
The owner, exasperated by this never-ending cycle, decided it was time for a final eviction.
The tenant’s inability to pay her dues had turned the property into a financial drain rather than a revenue-generating asset.
The Final Eviction
With the tenant unable to catch up, we finally secured the last judgment against her and moved her out of the property.
It was a relief for everyone involved, to say the least. Now, the unit is ready to be filled with a more reliable tenant, allowing the landlord to avoid these headaches and look forward to consistent monthly revenue.
Lessons Learned
This story underscores the importance of thorough tenant screening. Here are some key takeaways that can help you avoid similar situations:
- Comprehensive Screening: Always prioritize finding tenants who have a track record of on-time, consistent payments. Check their credit history, employment status, and references rigorously. A thorough screening process can save you a lot of hassle and financial strain down the road.
- Clear Payment Terms: Ensure that your lease agreement clearly outlines the payment terms, including due dates and late fees. Make sure the tenant understands and agrees to these terms before signing the lease.
- Regular Follow-Up: Keep a close eye on rent payments and follow up immediately if a payment is missed. Early intervention can prevent a small issue from becoming a significant problem.
- Legal Preparedness: Be prepared to take legal action if necessary. Familiarize yourself with the eviction laws in your area and have a trusted attorney on standby.
- Consistent Enforcement: Once you’ve established your policies, enforce them consistently. Allowing one tenant to break the rules can set a precedent that others may try to follow.
A Cautionary Tale
Our experience with this particular tenant was a stark reminder of how essential it is to have robust systems in place for managing rental properties. It’s not just about filling a vacancy; it’s about filling it with the right tenant.
For landlords, it’s crucial to understand that while evictions are an unavoidable part of property management, they don’t have to be a frequent one. By investing time and effort into proper tenant screening and setting clear expectations, you can minimize the risk of ending up in a similar situation.
Conclusion
Managing rental properties comes with its challenges, but each challenge offers an opportunity to learn and improve. Our eviction horror story serves as a reminder that thorough tenant screening and consistent enforcement of lease terms are vital to maintaining a profitable rental business.
If you’re a landlord dealing with difficult tenants or looking to avoid such pitfalls, consider these lessons learned from our experience. And remember, a proactive approach to property management can save you from the headaches of eviction and ensure a steady stream of reliable rental income.
We hope these stories help landlords navigate the often tumultuous waters of property management more effectively.
But if you’re at your wits’ end with problem tenants, contact us to see how we can help.