Tenant behind on rent and owes fees

[onestr8]

I am in MO.

I have a tenant that fell a bit behind on rent (approx $700)do to losing his employment. He is employed now and is paying rent and making up back rent in very small increments. Today I got a bill from the city for almost $350 for abatement of weeds and tall grass that his lease specifically requires him to maintain and to pay all fines incurred.

My question is, can I file a small claim against or does this have to go to a landlord/tenant court hearing like an eviction? He is month to month so I could give him 30 days notice to vacate but I am afraid I will be stuck with no back rent and all the fees owed unless I get some form of judgment. Unfortunately the cost of eviction is as high as what I am currently owed.

Thanks
Anthony

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Talk to him about adding this fine to what he already owes you.

You're not trying to evict him; you're trying to get him to pay this fine.

Gail

 

[onestr8]

That;s kind of the question

Sure, I get that.

The question is how do I make sure he will have to pay this fine? Judgement? He's already paying back rent at an extremely slow rate. I don't want this to drag on forever. I'd be happy to send him packing and don't need to evict since he's month to month. I just want to make sure that I get paid what I am owed and that it is enforceable. The amount owed is increasing faster than he is paying.

 

[Cvillecpm]

File for an eviction.....ask specific questions on MrLandlord website and you will get better assistance from MO LLs