Landlord Beware

Rent is due, the grace period has passed and still no rent check has been received. You have notified your tenants by mail, left emails and have even made several calls. Once again you visit your mailbox in hopes that your monthly reward is there from your deadbeat tenants, but there is nothing in the mailbox but an assortment of advertisements and bills.
This is probably one of the most frustrating problems of being a landlord. After all, you have invested in the property in hopes of making money, not just wishing for it.
Anger builds and out of shear aggravation, you may be inclined to take things in your own hands. But……….Landlord, Beware!
Do not do the following:
1. Change the locks on your rental property in an effort to lock you tenant out
2. Turn off any utilities
3. Remove tenant’s belongings
4. Harass your tenants
5. Spy on your tenants
6. Refuse to make repairs
7. Remove doors, windows, locks or any item that provides safety
8. Threaten your tenants
Although, these may seem to be a way to motivate your non paying tenant to pay rent, they are illegal and may actually cause you, the landlord more harm than good. Penalties, fines and a large law-suit may be brought against you, thus costing more money than what was owed to begin with.
All states, counties and local jurisdictions have specific criteria to follow in order to remove a tenant from your property. It is important to check with your local authorities in order to proceed properly. It is even better to consult with an attorney.
So….Landlords, beware and make sure that you follow the letter of the law to protect your asset and yourself.
To further protect yourself, visit www.ezLandlordforms.com