What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? AZ
Tenant went AWOL for some time without paying rent. Ignored emails, phone calls, etc. Finally, after too long (my bad), I sent 5 day notice or quit. Upon receipt, tenant emailed right away stating that they essentially packed up and left (didn't indicate when and didn't indicate any forwarding address, etc.) They have cancelled all utilities and took all belongings (at least that I can tell - have yet to enter property) and even took the keys.
So to cover my bases, I have served official Notice of Abandonment and awaiting 5 day requirement per AZ law. I'll be able to retake property and re-rent as soon as possible, which if I read correctly, will also inherently terminate the lease.
http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/Publications/Residential_Landlord_Tenant_Act/Residential.pdf
Security Deposits aren't enough to cover overdue rent, late fees, and a few other small things (soon to be re-keying the entire house, upcoming legal fees, etc.)
Question is - how do I go after my money? (and assess if it's even worth going after) They will have abandoned the property and I'll have possession of property and a terminated lease. There's so much stuff out there about Evictions and Special Detainer Lawsuits. The issue is, I don't need to evict. Does it just turn into a Civil or Small Claims case? Is such a case surrounding Tenants & Landlords handled any differently than a regular Small Claims case?
Thanks!
Tenant went AWOL for some time without paying rent. Ignored emails, phone calls, etc. Finally, after too long (my bad), I sent 5 day notice or quit. Upon receipt, tenant emailed right away stating that they essentially packed up and left (didn't indicate when and didn't indicate any forwarding address, etc.) They have cancelled all utilities and took all belongings (at least that I can tell - have yet to enter property) and even took the keys.
So to cover my bases, I have served official Notice of Abandonment and awaiting 5 day requirement per AZ law. I'll be able to retake property and re-rent as soon as possible, which if I read correctly, will also inherently terminate the lease.
http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/Publications/Residential_Landlord_Tenant_Act/Residential.pdf
Security Deposits aren't enough to cover overdue rent, late fees, and a few other small things (soon to be re-keying the entire house, upcoming legal fees, etc.)
Question is - how do I go after my money? (and assess if it's even worth going after) They will have abandoned the property and I'll have possession of property and a terminated lease. There's so much stuff out there about Evictions and Special Detainer Lawsuits. The issue is, I don't need to evict. Does it just turn into a Civil or Small Claims case? Is such a case surrounding Tenants & Landlords handled any differently than a regular Small Claims case?
Thanks!