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EVICTION DEFINED: An "eviction" is a legal proceeding by which the landlord
seeks to reclaim the premises (apartment or home) and put the tenant
out. SEE OUR GUIDE TO
EVICTIONS
COLLECTIONS If you are a landlord
who is due back rent either because the tenant has vacated the
property and did not pay all their rent, you evicted
the tenant or the tenant left you with damages beyond
Normal Wear and Tear and the Security
Deposit is insufficient to cover the damages, then you MAY
want to consider going to court for a judgment or send the file to a
collection agency geared to the Landlord Tenant relationship. Some
Lawyers also operate collection services or offer to handle a simple
collection letter as the first step. Often, it will serve as notice to
the tenant to pay or leave if they are still occupying the unit.
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SECTION 8
EVICTIONS - To evict a Section 8 / Housing Voucher, see
our guide on Section 8 Evictions |
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COSTS:
Collecting Back rent isn't free. Be sure you have a clause in your
lease that states you have the right to add collection costs and or
attorney fees. Some states these charges may be regulated or not
permitted. Most due and the limit is a "standard or customary
charge" So you can't go and charge your tenant $10 million to
collect. If it is a small amount (you determine "small" look
for a collection agency or try sending certified collection letters on
your own. The cost for an attorney may outweigh what you might
recover.
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Also you may:
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contact your lawyer
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if your rent is subsidized, check whether the subsidy program
will help (Section 8
etc)
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use a
collection agency. Did you use a Tenant Screening Service? If so,
contact them and see if they offer any services and if you can
report the tenant. BE SURE YOU CAN VERIFY the amount owed.
Non-payment of rent:
The landlord must inform the tenant in writing that full rent is due
by a specific deadline or the lease will be terminated.
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