Remodeled a tear down. Took almost 1.5 months because my husband did most of the work. Didn't start to advertise until May. The renter moved in June 1st. I know everyone has heard all the excuses. I don't know or have any proof of if the tenant is lying or telling the truth because I have no proof, but an email. He emailed me on 6/16 and told me that he was in the hospital with pneumonia. I kind of felt he wasn't going be the perfect tenant. He works on commission and probably doesn't get sick leave. The rent is 1050. He only came up with 800 on July 4th. I gave him the information to deposit the rest in a checking account Tuesday morning. I was thinking of texting him either today or tomorrow on the balance. Asking for hospital proof only proves if he is lying or telling the truth. But, that will not get me the balance rent. That doesn't look good for first month and not full payment, but don't know if its bad luck for him or the usual. Please don't lecture to me about what I should have done because I know all the rules. In your opinion, if he doesn't catch up and pay the full rent for next month, start eviction right of way and get rid of him? Eviction is only $100 and takes 5 days. But, I give 5 days from the 1st to make the rent and $50. late fee. I am tired of these people that live week to week and have nothing to fall back on, but that's why they don't own anything. And these people are not the cream of the crop. I could have waited, but took a chance on him. We took other considerations. Only him and a 13 year old. He could cut the lot next to the house with the house. We live 35 miles from the house now, but moving in that area in the future. I know we are not mind readers for the future, but any ideas from your experiences? I don't need a lecture, just opinions. Thanks --70.171.xxx.xxx

Sorry, Correction: He just got out of the hospital on 6/16 having pneumonia. When we signed the lease agreement on 5/31, he must have had it if he is telling the truth. He is 40 years old and smokes. --70.171.xxx.xxx

do you think the situation will get better or is this how its gonna be for the term? --108.5.xxx.xx

I really don't want a man that cannot pay on the 5th and I am going to tell him next month will be 50 late fee if not paid by the 5th. I don't want to have another one like her. He told me that he is a grown man and will pay. LET'S SEE ABOUT THAT. He needs the house to get or keep his son. Claims ex-wife was on drugs. He gave her a inch and now she is trying to get the son. He needs to pay and not put us last. But who knows if he has attorney fees for getting son back. Not my problem. Wouldn't they need a copy of the lease? I did not give it to hi, yet. He signed 2 copies, but I was waiting until I get the balance and next months rent before giving it to him. We were rushed when he came and I did not give him a copy. --70.171.xxx.xxx

Lease is on effect even if you didn't give him his copy. You should give him his copy. Judge won't like if you didnt. If he is only $200/behind I would give him a chance, as long as he doesn't get more behind next month. You make an exception for the waitress. Also he is already in your place. Next time screen better if you can get better tenants. --216.4.xx.xxx

I don't know what your tenant pool is like there, but I wouldn't put up with this. It doesn't really matter why he can't pay the rent -- he can't pay it, so he can't afford to live in your place. You need to get him out and find someone who will pay the rent and otherwise be a good tenant. --74.96.xxx.xxx

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and money, and mine plus a lot of gasoline with trips over 35 miles. He took off from his self employment for money. Not using excuses, but that's how it went. --70.171.xxx.xxx

In my expieriance the most important time to impose the rules is at the first violation. This sets the tone for the rest of the lease. If you give him an inch now he will be taking a mile in the future as he knows you are a soft touch. --73.181.xxx.xx

I really didn't want to get the proof of the hospital stay to let the $50 go. Then he will say that I think he is lying. But hey, 3 days out sick at work needs a slip. I never stayed out sick for over 3 days and I have around 350 or so unused sick leave. --70.171.xxx.xxx

A person who has pneumonia and smoking will be a long term renter, how good on the payments only the manager who did the screening will know for sure, ask the manager about the credit report and the old house if she/he did an inspection over there. --76.188.xxx.xxx

I took his information. Hate to say, his background wasn't that great. The other applicant had a dog, which I advertised no dog, worked with the other renter as waitress 2 days, plus another part time job,living in my other house, She told me she could only pay 1000. I just hated to rent to a dog owner. Her and her daughter would cut the lot, which liability was higher with the women and would move in for August. The other applicant couldn't get out of the lease with the new owner. Didn't wait to get more applicants, but was getting more. He told me that he needs the house to keep his son. So that better give him the incentive to stay. That's one thing I have going for me with these kind of renters. --70.171.xxx.xxx

Empathy - not sympathy. This is a business and you have bills to pay (regardless of if you do or not - YOU DO). They (tenants) need to realize that HOUSING is FIRST. Especially since what I'm reading above is he is telling you that he needs this house for his kids (to keep them) - well - there is only one way to keep that - PAY THE RENT. --69.201.xx.xxx

I could still charge the 50 because he paid the 800 when I picked it up on July 4th. When I gave him the bank acct info Monday, he hasn't put the balance yet. I plan a text soon. Just not being hasty, but not going to loose and let it run. --70.171.xxx.xxx

Also, do a credit check on all applicants. That is the second rule. Very easy to do on this site. --68.224.xxx.xxx

Well, you don't have to justify to me what or how you choose him, I've done the same. Having regrets ? Been there, don't that. So now what ? I'd phone him, call him, say something like.... How r u feeling? (Listen) you know maybe we are getting off here on the wrong foot, do we understand that rent is due on Xxx date and late n Xxx date ? Sunce u are late, and sick and slow to get back on track, would it be better for me to let you out of your lease ? Leave the house like you find it and i'll refund your deposit minus and outstanding rent ? Otherwise you may continue to drop behind, cant catch up. You will then be free to move back where u came from, or a cheaper place, you'll be glad you did and were proactive in regrouping? Can you be.moved by the weekend ? " --66.87.xx.xxx

He paid the first month rent to get in. Its the July rent he only paid 800 and not 1050. Exactly what I am going to do like plenty in Mo said. Sounds good. --129.81.xxx.xx

Please do post what happens and hope so much that things work out for you especially since your husband worked so hard to renovate the place for over a year. --172.10.xxx.xxx

I am calling him today. He owes 250 and it must be deposited today or this weekend and he must send a copy of the deposit. If not received,3 day pay or quit. I am not in for no games, --129.81.xxx.xx

I took partial because I wanted to get some money after driving there and all the time invested in renting to him. --129.81.xxx.xx

I'm really sorry about your situation especially with a new tenant. Luckily, a pay-or-quit notice can show results before a tenant turns into a deadbeat one. --172.10.xxx.xxx

For the record, I never did hire the eviction attorney because my tenant paid the rent on the last day of the grace period each time. The eviction attorney's office gave me free documents about the unlawful detainer process. Perhaps someone from Lousiana can help you with the local laws for the UD process? --172.10.xxx.xxx

He said he would pay on the weekend. I called and he answered the phone, and I was surprised. I already to;d him before that he wasn't answering my text. I will check the bank today and tomorrow. If I don't see it, I am going to text and ask for the copy of the deposit. Hope he does and not buying time. I'll keep in touch what goes on. Nothing so far in the bank. Eviction is not hard in La. Thanks for telling me about the weekend for 3 day, I will need to find that the weekend can be used for days. --70.171.xxx.xxx

Talked to him yesterday and he said he would deposit for the weekend. I was hoping he is not buying time. Can't reach capital one. Buy when I talked to them yesterday, they told me cash shows up as pending. Checked today and so far as closing time, no 250 balance paid. Now, I am thinking it could have been a mistake letting him in. My husband tell me that he is going to pay. I am thinking, How does he know that? I didn't ask. I guess he doesn't want to put a damper on his weekend. I try to think ahead and what next. I think the 3 day notice next. --70.171.xxx.xxx

Talked to him yesterday and he said he would deposit for the weekend. I was hoping he is not buying time. Can't reach capital one. Buy when I talked to them yesterday, they told me cash shows up as pending. Checked today and so far as closing time, no 250 balance paid. Now, I am thinking it could have been a mistake letting him in. My husband tell me that he is going to pay. I am thinking, How does he know that? I didn't ask. I guess he doesn't want to put a damper on his weekend. I try to think ahead and what next. I think the 3 day notice next. --70.171.xxx.xxx

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Worked in construction most of my life. You never get sick days off.If you don't work,you don't get paid. You used to get 4thJuly Good Friday and. Christmas off as holidays,but you didn't get paid for them either. That's just the way life is! Charlie...... ..... .... ... .. . --70.215.xx.xx

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Yeah, my husband was full time self employed. Work when you are sick, holidays, flooding, snowing in louisiana (not a normal occurence)18 degree weather because thats what you had to do. That is the only way to be successful.The guy was 40 years old and full of bull, a loser and now paying for it. Probabl had a drug problems.now since summer is ending, i have no idea how long i Will have to wait and get someone good. Having terrible weather downhere, possibly until Tuesday. No calls today at all. --70.171.xxx.xxx

Don't get involved in his drama. He either pays or you file for eviction. That is true if he is in hospital or lying about being in the hospital, it makes no difference. --108.48.xx.xxx

He's out and gone. Signed a lease this evening with a nice young couple. Paid 2 months rent and the deposit. Move in sept 1st. --70.171.xxx.xxx

That's the way, Barb is back on the game, rent on .... take the hubby to lunch, let.him pay ! --66.87.xx.xxx

He was honest enough to leave. I call them a "place" holder. They held the place to the next resident was ready to move. Itself a dpuble blessing! --66.87.xx.xxx

It turned out good. --70.171.xxx.xxx