I'm wondering if any of you have actual experience editing a tenant for non payment of rent. I plan to issue the 5 day notice myself, I doubt he'll sign that he's received it so I'll be sending it via certified mail. From what I understand this will extend the 5 days to 10 before I can continue. The documentation and next steps are where I'm unclear... Can anyone explain?

Thanks!

You are getting the 5 day confused with a Special Detainer.

You can just tape the 5 day to the door yourself and start counting. I used to use bright yellow construction tape with the notice on florscent pink paper! :)

On day 6, you go to court and file the eviction. THAT (the summons) has to be served by the Constable. It is recommended to also "nail & mail," post the door and send certified return receipt. The difference is if you get them physically served you may be able to get in court as close as 5 days. We did both. Personal service and post and mail and set the court date ten days out. This way is a guaranty, but of course they will insist they never received anything which is where the constable is handy.

PS, the way it works (in theory...) is if no rent on the 1st (or day you collect) you can post the 5 day at 12:01am on the 2nd. They get 5 days including the day of posting so the morning of the 7th you file in court at 8am. Give enough time to get service done for the court date, set 11 days out. Then depending on your court you make copies and take the summons to the constable to serve. Next stop is to send certified and post the summons on the door. Wait for court. Once a judgement and writ of possession issued deliver it to the constable. Set out is in 5 days. In a perfect world you can do this in 21 days, 25-30 is more realistic.