Tenant moved out at end of lease, but didn't pay last month's rent

[melissah679]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Michigan

I was renting my condo to someone I thought was a friend. I had her sign a lease (month-to-month) but never collected a security deposit. On March 17, she emailed me saying she was giving me her 45 day notice that she was moving out. Rent was $500 a month and she was having financial difficulity. She emailed me the following:

"I am giving you a courtesy notice of 45 days to which I am will be moving out of the condo. I will be out by May 1, 2010 and my last payments of rent will be paid on April 9th and April 23rd 2010 each payment will be $250 totaling $500."

Well, on April 22 she made the first $250 payment (13 days later than she said) and I still haven't received the second payment. I have been being way to nice and now she won't return my phone calls. What can I do? Is there anyway to sue her for the money? She has moved out as of April 30.

The lease also states that I can charge a $25 late fee, which I have never charged because she was also honest with me and made a payment plan.

I also currently live in Philly. Can I sue her for travel expenses to come to court? Or anything else to make it worth my time to sue her?

Any help would be great!

 

[Gail in Georgia]

In order to sue her, you would need to know her current address so that she can be served notice regarding this lawsuit.

No; the court will not reward you your travel expenses to come to court. Therefore, you need to decide whether suing her for the remaining $250 is worth it.

Gail

 

[Zigner]

Our OP could sue for $275 (Rent + late fee) + whatever the damages are in the apartment...

 

[melissah679]

Any suggestions on how to get her current address? I know where she works, but not where she moved.

 

[Zigner]

Any suggestions on how to get her current address? I know where she works, but not where she moved.

List her work address...she can be served there.

 

[Seanscott]

Send a letter to her last known address (your condo) and on the envelope write "return service requested". The post office will return the envelope to you along with her new address.

 

[Zigner]

Send a letter to her last known address (your condo) and on the envelope write "return service requested". The post office will return the envelope to you along with her new address.

Only if she filed a change of address form