What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
California
Hi Everyone, so happy to have found this forum. Hope you all can share some experience and advice.
Some background of my situation: I'm a landlord who has been renting to a tenant for over a little year now. Initially she had been paying rent consistently for 4-5 months then supposedly got injured on the job. As a result, she could not pay rent for some time and accumulated a debt as you can imagine. Basically she owes approx. $6-7k in unpaid rent/utilities ($7500 is the max for small claims).
She receives very limited workers comp at the moment and does receive child support. I know I made a mistake of renting to her but at the time I was desperate to rent the place out but also wanted to her her (and her 4 kids) out since I was in her price range. I'm almost certain she has no property, limited assets (car only), and not much money in her bank account.
My plan is to take her to small claims to have a judgment placed against her, I'm certain it will rule in my favor. The judgment will last 10 years with a renewal of another 10 years for a $30 fee.
Do I need to have a judgment against the tenant in order for me to hire a debt collection agency? If so, how likely will they be successful in collecting the owed debt?
I know I need to act fast. From what I've read (please correct me), it's harder to collect debt if I wait longer. As of the moment, the tenant is still living at the home but I did tell her she needs to leave since she hasn't been able to pay the most recent rent.
Any thoughts, opinions, and advice would be greatly appreciated it.
Thank you.
-Solomon
California
Hi Everyone, so happy to have found this forum. Hope you all can share some experience and advice.
Some background of my situation: I'm a landlord who has been renting to a tenant for over a little year now. Initially she had been paying rent consistently for 4-5 months then supposedly got injured on the job. As a result, she could not pay rent for some time and accumulated a debt as you can imagine. Basically she owes approx. $6-7k in unpaid rent/utilities ($7500 is the max for small claims).
She receives very limited workers comp at the moment and does receive child support. I know I made a mistake of renting to her but at the time I was desperate to rent the place out but also wanted to her her (and her 4 kids) out since I was in her price range. I'm almost certain she has no property, limited assets (car only), and not much money in her bank account.
My plan is to take her to small claims to have a judgment placed against her, I'm certain it will rule in my favor. The judgment will last 10 years with a renewal of another 10 years for a $30 fee.
Do I need to have a judgment against the tenant in order for me to hire a debt collection agency? If so, how likely will they be successful in collecting the owed debt?
I know I need to act fast. From what I've read (please correct me), it's harder to collect debt if I wait longer. As of the moment, the tenant is still living at the home but I did tell her she needs to leave since she hasn't been able to pay the most recent rent.
Any thoughts, opinions, and advice would be greatly appreciated it.
Thank you.
-Solomon