Landlord Question and Answer Forum

I have two tenants living in my home. One has been excellent in paying his half every month. The other is now suddenly 30 days late, and says he doesn't have any more money. He's lying because he's on welfare. I want to sell the house anyway. So my problem: late payment of rent, and wanting to sell house. It is wintertime here and I have to keep the house heated until spring when I put it on the market, so that the pipes don't freeze, and obviously, carry their rent to pay the mortgage. Late tenant also has a four year old daughter. If I had to let the other paying tenant stay and pay his half until spring, I would. However, then poses the problem that late tenant is a lying scumbag; I'm afraid of what he'll do to the house upon leaving, i.e. holes in walls, etc. What would be the best way to approach this? Paid tenant is my uncle. Late tenant is his nephew, who I really don't even associate with much, except for the fact that my daughter plays with his daughter every day. I'm scared, confused, want to do the right thing. This is my first (and last) time being a landlord. ANY advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

I think the best way to do this would be to end both leases to prepare the house to sell this way they both move out together and if they are your family hopefully they respect your property and understand. Simply give them the proper notice to move out by a certain date. If they do not then you will legally have to evict them and file with the courts.

Posted by Richard W, PA on Saturday, January 24, 2015

I have a tennet in our house that is 26 days late paying rent. I have sent them a late notice and talked to one of them on the phone (she states that she mailed the payment). What should my next step be? I want to be fair, but I also don't want to be taken advantage of. Tina S. Monday January 26, 2015

Posted by Tina and Dave S, TX on Monday, January 26, 2015