Credit Reporting

[PAkev]

I have an X tennant that skipped out (breaking a 1yr lease) owing me a month rent plus it was about 1 1/2 months later until the smoke cleared and I was able to get another suitable tennant. I have a judgement (in my favor) of about $1700 from the district magistrate but learned that itself is not a guarantee for payment..........Long Story! I'm presuming sooner than later they will be trying to secure credit (ie buying a car, secure a personal loan, begin utilities, etc.) Therefore, I'm considering a means to get in line as an unpaid creditor and a take a long shot at recovering the $$.

Helpful advice appreciated.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Credit Reporting

Try going to the local courthouse and put a lein on him...

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Credit Reporting

If you know where he lives now, take your paperwork to the city attorney if in a city or the county attorney if outside the city and get him back in court so they can help you get your money.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Credit Reporting

I'm finding that following the legal process in PA is very costly for landlords and will probably sponge most of that $1700 up with lawyers fees and additional court costs. Fortunately, this is my first experience with the legal process in 9 years of renting to a handful of tennants. I guess I was due a bad apple sooner or later.

I guess my point is more "principal" than anything else.
The guy falsified employment information on our rental application. He conveyed to the the magistrate, he is currently unemployed and therefore doesn't have any means to pay. However, I know he is delivering pizza in the PM (working under the table) As a collateral benefit to being "unemployed" they qualify for food stamps, free medical care, and legal aid.

They say experience is your best mentor.......From now on we require tennants to prove employment with pay stubs receipts for the most recent month of employment.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Credit Reporting

I'd employ a collection agency. It would cost you, but you'd get the satisfaction of knowing that they're wearing his a** out. Who knows...you might even get some of that $1700.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Credit Reporting

Next time make the renters put up a large enough deposit that if they walk on you they leave behind enough to cover at least an extra months rent. Problem with getting a judgement is often you cant collect by wage garnishment or even taking their car or home if they have one IF THEY HAVE DEPENDANT CHILDREN....Any so called hardship they say they would face might "affect the children" so they are protected. At least you can "ding their credit' if they have any,most likely they ruined their credit years ago.

 

[oops!]

Re: Credit Reporting

IN Canada
once you get a judgment you can run down to the courthouse and garnshee.
just take it right out of thier bank account.

(unlike our government, that just takes it.) but thats another story. dont get me goin!

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Credit Reporting

My BIL has several rental units. He goes through this problem every once in awhile. He makes an attempt to recover, but most of the time he writes it off in his taxes. Good Luck Kev, hope things go in your favor........SS

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Credit Reporting

Been there myself. You win the battle but lose the war. The guy is a total deadbeat with no job so it's hard to collect through a garnishment. Since this is a small claims court case you really don't need an attorney unless you are a corporation. Just the time and energy and court costs pursuing it. Chances are the guy has horrible credit. Adding this debt to his credit report won't change much. If you know his credit is still good, I would just turn it over to a collection agency, let them chase him and in the end put it on his credit report. I use a company where there is no out of pocket to the person turning over the claim, they take a percentage on the balance. Our policy says they are reponsible for all collection fee costs so we tack the percentage on to their balance so when we do get paid, its paid in full. Who knows, down the road he may need a car or possible attempt to get a house and it will come back to haunt him. I have got paid years down the road when this happens. Tack on all fees you have incurred pursuing this to his balance before sending it over to the collection company.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Credit Reporting

I agree the SCC was a waste of time and money as it only made things official that I was entitled to receipt of the money.

I may explore the avenue of a collection agency but am not clear if I inhereit any liability which the collection agency may cause. These are always the folks that would exploit any opportunity to sue. I've also considered contacting the Department of Revenue to report him and his (under the table) employer which has potential of imposing stiff penalties to both and make him more financially accountable.


Perhaps another way of recovering the $$ is to have a big ($1700 worth) pizza party and invite all the folks on Iboats.com.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Credit Reporting

LOL I thought this sounded familiar. Howdy Optiangler