Nonresponsive Tenant
I am a relatively new landlord and was hoping someone could key me in on proper procedure, as I have never been through this experience before and am hoping to avoid a mistake. I own a condo that I have rented out for the last year or so. For the most part no major problems….
I am a relatively new landlord and was hoping someone could key me in on proper procedure, as I have never been through this experience before and am hoping to avoid a mistake. I own a condo that I have rented out for the last year or so. For the most part no major problems. I signed a new lease with a new tenant starting on September 15th. He has always been a bit of a flake but was always communicative before. It was more of a situation where I had to remind him to pay his rent. Now he has disappeared on me. He has not paid December rent and is not responding to voicemails, emails or texts. How should I move forward from here? I want to be smart here and not make a mistake out of anger. I live about a half mile from the condo and am tempted to go over there to see what is going on. Bad idea?
I have a tenant in my condo as well so I totally understand. I would suggest going over since you are so close and leave him a letter and see if he is there. Maybe he has an excuse but he does need to act as an adult and respond and not hide.
Do not change the locks however I know someone whose tenant didn’t respond for a month and they came home and the locks where changed and they found another place to live I assume. That seemed harsh to me but I would consult with a lawyer or use the internet as a resource to understand what you can do.
But what about leaving a letter on the door stating if they decide to ignore the notices that the locks will be changed. Maybe this is an option if 9 days turn into 2 weeks or longer.
Just a thought
Knock on his door ASAP.
It may be a matter of what looks like flaky to you is being really busy. A friend of mine didn’t pay his rent until the 11th of the month because he had urgent surgery on the other coast. He checked in after his release from the hospital and explained the situation to his landlord. Don’t assume that he is trying to pull a fast one and don’t express to him in any shape, form or fashion your fear.
Keep an open mind, if there has been a change in the tenant’s ability to pay, communication and compassion will be an essential part of making sure that you remain his financial priority. Now, if this happens again or he doesn’t pay the rent or communicated with you come January then you have the conversation.
Y’know, I saw new lease, but not new tenant in yr post when I speed read first time. Thought it was someone that’d been there a while and you renewed. My softly approach aint right.
Still suggest give it a few days – could be traveling – and call again. Document EVERY outreach in writing. And then after rent is formally late based on lease, registered letter polite reminder. Good luck
Snark aside, what newsouthsloper & Johnny said.
do NOT change the locks, youll be the one who winds up in serious doo-doo. maybe he lost his job and really has no way of paying rent? kinda lame he isnt manning up and just telling you outright. he could also be dead or something. who knows. call the local hospitals?
*rob*
I hear you. It is my intent to keep things as amicable as possible, and for him to continue to honor the terms of the lease, but I get a very bad vibe from this guy. A late fee isn’t really my main concern. I guess I just have a gut feeling that this is going to go sour, and want to get my ducks in a row because I’ve never had to go through a default before and don’t want to make a mistake early in the process that will come back to haunt me.
I see no reason not to knock on his door and ask him what is going on.
Maybe he is out of the country or something like that. It is only Dec 9, maybe he left town for a few days.
I would take a swing by the place at night and see if their is any sign of someone being home. If he is home, than I would start to worry about him being non-responsive.