How can I collect back rent after an eviction?

Collecting on back rent after an eviction can be an ongoing ordeal. If you sue for collection successfully and obtain a judgment against a tenant, you may receive the legal right to garnish wages or seize assets from a bank account. Alternatively, you can sell the back-rent debt to a collections agency for a fraction of the total amount owed.

Can a landlord evict a tenant who is behind on rent?

The last year has been an unprecedented one for landlords, with tenants falling behind on rent payments and a federal moratorium on evictions. While it’s a difficult time, having a good lease, a good plan for dealing with missed rental payments, and clear documentation of any repayment plans or lease addendums can make it a little easier.

What happens if I sue a tenant for back rent?

If you sue for collection successfully and obtain a judgment against a tenant, you may receive the legal right to garnish wages or seize assets from a bank account. Alternatively, you can sell the back-rent debt to a collections agency for a fraction of the total amount owed.

What happens if a tenant fails to pay a judgment?

This way, even if the tenant fails to pay, you can file have his wages or bank accounts garnished until the money is paid in full. Once a money judgment is official, it can be submitted to collection agencies and reported on the tenant’s credit report.

What happens to back rent in an eviction case?

If you take a tenant to court to determine the outcome of the eviction case, the judge will decide how much back rent is owed and how it should be paid. To make things clear, this money is no longer referred to as back rent but instead should be referred to as a judgment amount.

Can a landlord evict a tenant for unpaid rent?

Terminating a tenancy can be a lengthy and complicated process because state laws dictate the steps landlords must take to evict tenants and pursue money for unpaid rent and damages. If you have a tenant who has violated the conditions of the lease, the following information provides a basic overview of the tenant eviction process.

How can I collect money from a tenant eviction?

Collecting Money After a Tenant Eviction. If the judge awards you with this money judgment, the tenant is legally required to pay you all the money that is owed plus interest. This way, even if the tenant fails to pay, you can file have his wages or bank accounts garnished until the money is paid in full.

Can a landlord file for an eviction on a possession judgment?

If a tenant does not pay the amount owed on a possession judgment within the allotted time, then the landlord can file an order of eviction to have the tenant forcibly removed by a court officer. A landlord will always seek a possession judgment when filing a claim against a tenant…