@Indra
Always just send it, don’t over analyze or let emotions get involved. They will walk all over you if they are allowed to.
@Indra
Also it’s not out of line. Imagine if you were a barber and no one paid you for your haircuts and they “promised to pay you asap”. You’d go out of business.
If you can afford to let them live there for free, then sure yea do whatever you want with your property.
No one should ever expect free housing at the expense of someone else, especially after signing a legal agreement.
This is one of the reasons people don’t like being landlords because evicting someone from their home is an ugly business.
Did you raise rent an astronomical amount? If you kept the rent the same there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to fulfill their end of the legal agreement you both signed.
@Bao
I agree, in the words of my wife,“If someone doesn’t want to pay, it can go to someone who will.”
When I took over the property, I didn’t raise the rent a penny, and don’t plan to until next year since the rate is pretty good actually.
@Indra
Just a tenant, but i read this sub a lot. Just remember evictions and vacancies are costly. If they have a good payment record in the past, it might be worth giving a few days grace, waiving the late fee the first time around, and/or changing the due date to the 5th if that makes it easier for them to pay on time in the future.
Personally I would raise rent slightly each year, it sets the expectation and that way nobody can pretend to be surprised. Also, you should be building some savings for eventual maintenence, so even if your rate is good… just raise it every year at least by inflation. if you end up with no major problems and a ton of excess savings at some point, use some of it on upgrades.
I did until close of business on the 5th. It’s not Columbus day.
I’m also a first-time landlord, and I listened to the pitty party. I let them drag me along for two months, and I didn’t start eviction.
Take it from someone who’s just a couple months ahead of where you are now. Send them a notice to quit based on your state rules and start eviction as soon as you can.
@Anik
Aw hell no, that would stress me out. I’m not heartless, but I’ve got bills to pay!
State law here. Rent due on 1st, late at 12:00:01 am on the sixth and i start the eviction process then. No grace period, late fee is 5%.
The minute you give grace is the minute you lose the battle. This is their first month? They’re testing you or they are professional squatters. It is guaranteed one or the other.
Whatever the local grace period is in your state… Soon as that hits it’s time for eviction.
‘Rent is due on or before the 1st, Rent is late on the 2nd and a notice will be sent, there is a late fee if rent is not paid by the end of the 3rd. Eviction is filed as per late notice (this is 2 days from date of receipt in my state).
If rent + late fee + court costs are not paid by time of court, you will be evicted.’
This gives the tenant about 3 weeks to come up with the rent and fees.
Where I am: Evictions take about 3-4 weeks from filing to court. 1 week from court to end of appeal period, about 1 week from filing for writ of possession to getting sheriff to achedule eviction about a week later.
It is 7 weeks ( +1 week if tenant files a Popper’s petition that is contested and denied, +3 to +4 weeks if popper’s petition is not contested or not denied).
Process can take months from when you deliver notice. Do not spend time waiting, start the process the first day they are late.
PS - I am in a landlord friendly state.
If you are a new owner I would consider using a property manager sooner than later, especially for the application and move-in process on your next tenant. They know landlord/tenant and FHA laws, how to screen applicants and how to spot fakes and fraud.
They also know how to handle issues like
- self-employed/income qualifications
- Section 8 requests
- Co-signer and sub-lease agreements
- SD, ESA and ADA regulations
They have access to leases, addendum, forms and local vendors. As you may discover, one bad tenant can cost tens of thousands in lost rent and damages. It’s worth it IMO. Also consult an attorney before proceeding. One missed step can be disastrous as well.
@Phoenix
Property manager is in the plan but not yet at this point. I’ll keep this list saved for future references, the only thing I really know at this point is that section 8 is an immediate no for me personally. I have to deal with section 8 at work occasionally, and I don’t see any way it’s worth it with my current experience level.
Lol mommy and daddy bought you a little triplexxx
nice job on the triplex man usually ppl give like 3-5 day grace period but if ur lease says due on 1st u can enforce it tbh since it’s his first month and got a one time check delay maybe let him pay by tom just tell him it’s a one off thing if he flakes just go by the usual pay or quit notice simple as that