Me and my wife had rented out a In-law apartment we had out our house to friend since we weren't using it and the extra money was a help. This is our first time being in a 'landlord' position. We wrote a basic rental agreement that stated when rent was due and what was included in the apartment for appliances and basic things. In the agreement we put that her rent was due on the 31st of each month for that month(she was a friend so we weren't worried about having the rent at the begining of the month like normally done). She hasn't been to the apartment since the middle of October.
We have tried to contact her through phone calls, texts, even gone as far as facebook. The only address I have for her is the same address as us. I posted a 14-day notice to quit on the door to the apartment as well as mailed on, it came to the house so I am assuming she hasn't changed her address. She hasn't taken any of her belongings, and from what I've seen in earlier posts it's in my best interest to go through the legal process. Is sending a 14-day notice to quit thru regular mail as well as posting it on the door acceptable? (I dont see a point in paying for certified mail since it would just be going to here where she hasn't been around)
If it is acceptable, what would my next step be to do an official eviction so that I can have her stuff removed in order to possibly rent out the apartment again? Thanks
Submitted by TravisB1985 on Sun, 11/06/2011 - 21:10
When tenant abandons apartment
Unfortunately, it is now becoming clear to you that your 'friend' isn't really a friend at all. At least I don't think a friend would behave as she has. Accordingly, you need to protect yourself and follow the rules carefully. In addition to posting the notice on the door, I would send the notice to quit return receipt requested. I would also send a copy to any known prior addresses, such as a family home where she used to live.
As for the property, you can follow this link to a discussion of how to deal with a tenant's abandoned property. As you will see, in this case, you should probably just go through the usual eviction process and have the constable deal with the property as specified in the law. Pain in the back-side, I know, but that is the safest way to go.