HI HARRY! MY TENANT HAS NOT PAID THE RENT IN THREE MONTHS. WHAT CAN I DO? ARIZONA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

In our state if they do not have a signed lease, they are on month to month.  If the landlord knew their rights they would have already served them papers.

How long of a lease term did they have with the tenant?  In Illinois, if the term is less than a year then it's enforceable by law even if the agreement is not in writing.  Regardless, not everyone knows enough about property management to be a landlord, so good advice about obtaining professional help.

I don't really know anyone who thinks property management is easy. We get calls like that from Owners, they weren't doing it themselves because they thought it was easy, they just wanted to save the money. We also get people who took their property back after we managed awhile to try and sell it or manage themselves, and they end up bringing it back to us again.

Are you kidding me? this is outrageous.

No lease agreement in Illinois means an implied contract depending circumstances. Options in that case is to get a leased signed immediately or start evicition. This could be a difficult process depending on the county. In most cases Illinois tends to favor the tenant regardless of the circumstances. It's not a pleasant experience fo any party.

If there are children involved eviciton can be tricky and take months.  It is a tough economy...at least someone is taking care of the home...there is always a chance you could find no one to fill the vacancy immediately.

I use leases but seriously, does a "lease" make a tenant not be a deadbeat? An irresponsible tenant is a deadbeat no matter what they sign or don't sign.

I have never had to go through the eviction with a tenant, but I cherry pick my tenants, take a hefty deposit and post a 3 day notice quickly.  No breaks.

Eve in Orlando

The $3,000 is gone.  File the paperwork to have them evicted, and start over.

It is amazing to me that people let people rent their homes without a lease.  Pretty basic stuff.

Verbal lease agreements under one year are just as valid as written leases in AZ. However, it all has to be proven to a judge, and maybe your emails from the landlord show that. I would deliver a 5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit then a Forcible Detainer if necessary for these deadbeats. In other words, move on and get a tenant that will pay.

Unfortunately this occurs too frequently with most business owners, they fail to protect their assets and focus only on the money they earn, the money they must pay to insure the protection of their assets and only when they have severe challenges finally seek professional advice.

Your fee of $60.00 per door regardless of multi-tennant category is exceptional. Is your service available in southern California?

Funny timing reading this blog.  I'm writing a tenant blog also!  LOL.  Sometimes a deal just isn't worth it!!

Good luck with your situation, it's never easy or pleasant, is it?

Yes, had a call from an owner a few weeks ago wondering when they could evict a non paying renter. Same thing, it was a friend, they didn't think they needed a lease. They have nothing in writing. Great timing on this one!

In a recent mediation with the court I sat in on a case where the tenant was on a month to month for the last 20 years. How is this possible in this day and age.

Dear Harry,

Unless they are complete deadbeats, I hope they catch up. If one was abroad, maybe a military family? Sometimes, being firm & persistent can bring them back up to speed. If they don't, their only choice is to move in with friends or family & many people do not want to or cannot do that. If they were a wrong choice in the first place, adieu!

I think a lot of people try to do the property management on their own, and unfortunately, we stories like this aren't uncommon

Harry:

Holy Moley, how could the owners neglect to have the tenants sign the lease.  What a mess.

Hi Harry, property management is NOT easy.  Even as a Realtor and investor I hire out my property management.

Everyone want to be in property management don't they, wow what a trip down memory lane