Are you thinking about becoming a landlord in Las Vegas, NV? As you'll soon find out, there are many challenges you'll face. One of them is tenants who leave without turning in their keys.
The good news is that there are ways to get the money you're owed if they left while still owning rent.
Check out these landlord tips to learn how to collect unpaid rent after a tenant moves out.
1. Confirm the Tenant Left
Before you can start collecting the rent that you're owed, you have to confirm that the tenant actually left. There are a few signs that will tell you whether or not the property is vacant.
If you haven't seen a car in the driveway for several weeks, the tenant might be on vacation. It's equally as likely that they've left.
If the utilities have been shut off or you've noticed the mail piling up, the tenant is most likely gone. Heavy damages like broken windows and holes in the walls are also pretty obvious signs.
2. Take It Out of the Security Deposit
In most instances, you can take the money you're owed from the tenant's security deposit. However, you will need to be careful about the way you go about this.
Look up the local laws before you dip into the tenant's security deposit to make sure you stay out of legal trouble.
Depending on how much the tenant owes you, the security deposit may not cover the entire amount. If that's the case, you'll need to take more drastic measures.
3. Send a Certified Letter
Send a certified letter to the tenant's last known place of residence. In this letter, be sure to include the amount of rent the tenant owes you, along with a due date.
Make sure to clearly state your intent to take legal action if the tenant fails to pay before the deadline you've set.
4. Go to Small Claims Court
The next step toward collecting the rent you're owed is to take the matter to small claims court.
In most instances, if the tenant has moved away, they won't show up for the court date. That means as long as you have the lease in hand, you'll win the case by default. In most instances, the tenant's wages will be garnished until they pay the amount they owe in full.
Keep in mind that if the tenant does show up and proves that they left because the unit was inhabitable, there's almost no way you'll win.
How to Collect Unpaid Rent After a Tenant Moves Out Without Hassle
How to collect unpaid rent after a tenant moves out in Los Vegas, NV? In most instances, you can take the money out of the tenant's security deposit. If that doesn't work, collecting rent by other means can be stressful.
That's where hiring a good property management company comes in handy. PURE Property Management prides itself on providing solutions to real estate owners and investors alike. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.