Landlord Question and Answer Forum

I give a $50 rebate to my tenants who pay on time. I made a mistake in sending back the entire rent to the tenant instead of the $50. I didn't see this until I was going through my monthly bank statement and saw they had cashed the check instead of returning it to me, knowing it was a mistake. I told them that, in order to get my money back, I would increase their rent by $100 a month. They finally sent me a note saying that they did not owe me back the money and they would not pay it back, nor would they pay the increase in rent (monthly contract). I really don't like dishonest people and this was an honest mistake that I tried to rectify as soon as I saw it. Do I have any recourse at all or do I end up eating this?

If they're going to play hardball, usually the only way to deal with people like that is to play hardball back. I would serve them with an eviction notice and take them to court for non-payment of rent. Worst case scenario, the judge tells you you can't collect that money back, best case scenario they pay up when they realize you're serious.

Posted by Ralph F, CA on Wednesday, February 9, 2011