I have a tenant renting a room from me with no contract, and I gave them a 60-day notice to vacate, so they should be out by Nov 9. Rent was paid through September, but now it’s October, and no rent has been mentioned. The tenant said they’re off to Moab and don’t know how long they’ll be gone. Can I ask for October rent even though they haven’t moved out yet? And what options do I have if they don’t pay or leave on time?
You’re definitely still entitled to rent as long as they’re keeping their stuff in the room. I’d suggest serving a ‘pay or vacate’ notice… that usually speeds things up.
Perry said:
You’re definitely still entitled to rent as long as they’re keeping their stuff in the room. I’d suggest serving a ‘pay or vacate’ notice… that usually speeds things up.
Thanks, I didn’t know I could do that. Since it’s Oct 5, when would be a good time to serve it?
Perry said:
You’re definitely still entitled to rent as long as they’re keeping their stuff in the room. I’d suggest serving a ‘pay or vacate’ notice… that usually speeds things up.
Honestly, you could serve it now since rent for October is already late. It puts some pressure on them to either pay up or leave.
If they’re holding onto the room, they should pay rent for each month they stay. And yeah, that ‘pay or vacate’ notice could be a good move.
Lyle said:
If they’re holding onto the room, they should pay rent for each month they stay. And yeah, that ‘pay or vacate’ notice could be a good move.
Do you know if I can find that notice online or if I’d need a lawyer for it?
Lyle said:
If they’re holding onto the room, they should pay rent for each month they stay. And yeah, that ‘pay or vacate’ notice could be a good move.
You can usually find basic templates online, but if you’re unsure, it wouldn’t hurt to consult a lawyer just to make sure it’s done right.
If they’re off to Moab and not around, maybe they won’t even see the notice. You could also try reaching out to them first to see if they’re willing to pay up.
Skyler said:
If they’re off to Moab and not around, maybe they won’t even see the notice. You could also try reaching out to them first to see if they’re willing to pay up.
Good idea, but they didn’t give me any clear answer about when they’re coming back. Feels like they’re avoiding it.
Skyler said:
If they’re off to Moab and not around, maybe they won’t even see the notice. You could also try reaching out to them first to see if they’re willing to pay up.
Sounds tricky. Maybe send it by certified mail so you have proof they got it. That way, if they don’t pay, you have something solid.
Even without a formal lease, they’re still responsible for rent as long as they’re keeping their stuff there. You might want to contact a lawyer just in case they keep pushing it.
Kei said:
Even without a formal lease, they’re still responsible for rent as long as they’re keeping their stuff there. You might want to contact a lawyer just in case they keep pushing it.
Yeah, it’s starting to look like I’ll need to involve a lawyer if they keep this up. Thanks for the advice!
If they don’t pay, the ‘pay or vacate’ notice could let you start an eviction process sooner. Otherwise, they might keep stalling.
Kari said:
If they don’t pay, the ‘pay or vacate’ notice could let you start an eviction process sooner. Otherwise, they might keep stalling.
Good to know! I’ll look into how to start that process if they don’t respond soon.
Kari said:
If they don’t pay, the ‘pay or vacate’ notice could let you start an eviction process sooner. Otherwise, they might keep stalling.
Yeah, keep us posted! This kind of thing can be so frustrating.