The last two years have been rough on both tenants and landlords. After the renter moratorium ended, 30% of renters faced eviction in 2021.
Rent is a big part of any budget, so it's no wonder that sometimes things go wrong and tenants stop paying. You don't have to face this problem on your own. We'll provide you with all the information you need to get through this tough situation.
This guide will discuss steps that you need to take to evict a tenant who isn't paying rent. Keep reading to learn what to do when your tenant won't pay rent!
Consider Your Options
When a tenant doesn't pay, you have to take action. Before you do anything, make sure that you're taking the best course of action for you and your tenant.
Filing for eviction or suing the tenant can be costly and time-consuming. So be sure to explore all your options before taking this step. You might choose to work something out with the tenant before taking legal action.
You could make a timetable for when they can pay back rent. Agree on a realistic amount that the tenant can pay each month. Be sure to get it in writing to avoid confusion later on.
Of course, you may not be able to (or want to) set an agreement with the tenant. In this case, you'll need to take legal action.
Send a Notice to Your Tenant
The tenant has a right to know what's going on. They should get a chance to catch up on rent before taking further action.
You'll need to write a notice explaining the situation and outlining a plan to remedy it. Begin by stating when rent is due and how much they owe. Include any late fees or other charges that have accrued.
Explain that unless they pay the outstanding balance within a certain time, you will have no choice but to begin eviction proceedings.
Provide your contact information if the tenant has questions or wants to discuss payment options.
Be firm but fair when writing a notice for a tenant who is behind on rent. You want to be clear that you're serious about collecting what's owed. But it would help if you also gave them fair notice.
Take Legal Action if Your Tenant Won't Pay Rent
Make sure you have a legal basis before you evict tenants. The most common reasons for eviction are non-payment, lease violations, or property damage. Make sure you understand the Pennsylvania eviction laws in your area.
Send the tenant a formal notice stating the reason for eviction. Be sure to keep a copy of this notice for your records. Once you file a motion for eviction, the court will start the process of removing the tenant from your property.
You'll need to appear in court and present your case to a judge. If the judge rules in your favor, they will issue a writ of possession. This document will give you the legal right to remove the tenant from your property.
It Can Be a Headache to Evict a Tenant
A tenant is your most valuable asset. But there are hard lessons to be learned when a tenant won't pay rent.
We can help save you from potential stress and legal fees associated with eviction. Our property management service has an eviction program that does it all for you.
