Where can I find a step-by-step procedure for evicting a non-paying tenant in GA

[cluelesslndlrd]

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

The property is in GA but I live on the west coast.
About 2 years ago, this couple of a newly born baby signed a lease agreement (boiler plate lease with a few addendum, nothing major) At the end of their 1st year They were late a few days here and there or couple of hundred dollars short, to be compensated later. Since I was not hemorrhaging for money that badly, I just notified them about shortcomings by email, without going full extent of written notifications.

In the last 6 months, I have changed 2 jobs, bought a new house and had to deal with a lot of family crap. So I was not on top of my finances. Now, since the business is slow during the holiday break, I checked my bank account where the money should have been deposited and I see they did not make a payment since august and before than all payments were $125 short every month, plus a 2-3 months worth of rent short from the last year.

I learned my lesson not to go with renting w/o an agent from now on. So, I'd appreciate if you do not bring this topic up. Now, before I can find an agent and make this house rented again, I need to get rid of these deadbeat tenants. Under the circumstances I have described, what should I do first and subsequently ?

First off, did I lose any rights by not acting any earlier ? I am hoping not.

I am thinking of a written notice sent via registered USPS mail with receipt confirmation is in order. The thing I am not aware of, if I have to offer them to bring their account current (if yes how many days of time I need to offer to do this at the minimum legally). If I don't have to or if they can not bring the account to a current condition (I doubt they can do this anyway), what is the procedure to evict them ? I know they will trash the place for revenge and everything but I feel like I will have to cut my losses somewhere.

Thanks for all the information

 

[Zigner]

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

The property is in GA but I live on the west coast.
About 2 years ago, this couple of a newly born baby signed a lease agreement (boiler plate lease with a few addendum, nothing major) At the end of their 1st year They were late a few days here and there or couple of hundred dollars short, to be compensated later. Since I was not hemorrhaging for money that badly, I just notified them about shortcomings by email, without going full extent of written notifications.

In the last 6 months, I have changed 2 jobs, bought a new house and had to deal with a lot of family crap. So I was not on top of my finances. Now, since the business is slow during the holiday break, I checked my bank account where the money should have been deposited and I see they did not make a payment since august and before than all payments were $125 short every month, plus a 2-3 months worth of rent short from the last year.

I learned my lesson not to go with renting w/o an agent from now on. So, I'd appreciate if you do not bring this topic up. Now, before I can find an agent and make this house rented again, I need to get rid of these deadbeat tenants. Under the circumstances I have described, what should I do first and subsequently ?

First off, did I lose any rights by not acting any earlier ? I am hoping not.

I am thinking of a written notice sent via registered USPS mail with receipt confirmation is in order. The thing I am not aware of, if I have to offer them to bring their account current (if yes how many days of time I need to offer to do this at the minimum legally). If I don't have to or if they can not bring the account to a current condition (I doubt they can do this anyway), what is the procedure to evict them ? I know they will trash the place for revenge and everything but I feel like I will have to cut my losses somewhere.

Thanks for all the information

You're not going to be able to mail it in for an eviction. I would recommend that you pay an attorney in GA so that you get it done right.

 

[Silverplum]

You can Google the instructions: GA eviction notice

 

[Proserpina]

Because I'm feeling so extra helpful today ...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=georgia+eviction+process

Frankly you have no business being a landlord until you know what you're doing.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Consider hiring an attorney familiar with handling the disposessory process for Georgia. It is not difficulty to evict someone in this state but it is a challenge to do it long distance (and it is likely your tenants will take advantage of your distance from Georgia by dragging this out in court).

First step is a Pay or Quit notice giving them a certain amount of time (I give 3 days) to remedy the situation of owed rent; if no success then the next step is the actual filing through the local Clerk of Court Office. In some counties this can be done online; in others it must be done in person which is why you'd need a local attorney familiar with these steps to handle the situation.

Gail