I have a tenant who owes rent since April. I can’t evict him due to Covid-19 pandemic, by the time the eviction will be done…tenant will be 5-6 months behind in rent payments…plus damages legal expenses – the potential bill could be between $10,000 – $15,000…needless to say not chump change to simply let go. Soon to be former tenant has a six-figure job and has been actively/gainfully employed through this whole crisis simply chose to become a squatter. Outside of judgment and potential for garnishment, what options do we have (in Florida) to get/receive restitution?? Any/all advice/guidance appreciated…
What options do I have to eventually collect past due rent?
About the author
Jana Christo is a business owner, real estate investor, and property manager. She has 16 years of experience in most areas of real estate.
During the last recession, she was also the managing partner for a company that bought and rehabbed properties from the court foreclosure auctions. Today, she manages her own portfolio of rental properties and shares her experience on Rentce.com.
Don’t forget about the Cares Act. I think it ends July 27 or something like that.
Jackie, Governor DeSantis just extended the eviction moratorium until July 2nd. Your county court will accept your eviction papers but you may lose the case. I see lawyers advertising on Youtube and Facebook looking for someone to sue. This can get expensive. Even after July 2nd, you need to give tenants 30 days notice instead of 3-Day. Talk to a lawyer.
That being said after you evict the tenant, there are two ways to collect: using a collection agency (check our directory) or filing a lawsuit and garnishing the tenant’s wages. Here is an article we wrote about collecting past due rent. https://www.rentce.com/can-you-sue-a-tenant-for-unpaid-rent-and-damages/