Non renewal of lease, they don’t go…now what?

[Jblake]

So I know this topic has been discussed, but I’d like to revive the conversation with some new insight. I’ve recently evicted a handful of tenants, most have followed through and left within the 30 day window. Of course, had they all moved on I wouldn’t be here looking for suggestions on what to do next…I considered the lien process, but don’t feel that is the correct solution seeings how they tried to make their payment, but I wouldn’t accept it. Now I have one that has remained 2 days past the deadline. He has no phone number (no thanks to the previous managers). He has an address that is several states away. He is on restricted access (business hours) and has only made one attempt to clean out unit. He arrived on a bicycle with his “help” on a skateboard. I would like to do the right thing and let him get his items, but I don’t want to have him mistaking my kindness for weakness and take advantage of us. I’m curious as to what steps others have taken in a similar situation. I am considering having his lock cut and dispose of the units contents in a large trash bag that I can place in the dumpster so that if he shows up before the trash man comes for the daily pick up, he can at least retrieve the bag and go on his way. What are other ideas are out there? All suggestions are appreciated.

[DairyGirl]

I love tenants like this; no current local address and no way to vacate because they don't have a vehicle. Which means he's probably homeless. What does your termination notice say? Does it specify what happens if they don't vacate? Mine says their stuff will be disposed of after the date they were to be out. For starters, disable his gate code and overlock the unit. He no longer has a valid rental agreement so shouldn't have any access to the facility/unit at all. By locking him out completely, that forces him to come to you. You could certainly tell him at that point that you are putting his stuff in the dumpster because he is no longer a tenant, and if he wants it, that's where he will find it. Others on here have posted that your only option at this point is to evict through the court. When was he last in to take stuff? I will repeat what several others here say: "you can't care about his stuff more than he does". If he wanted it, he would have made an effort to get it.

[Clarkstoragellc]

"You" will be trespassing. Follow your states lien process. When we want someone gone we send both an eviction notice and a large rent increase notice. Then go through the lien process.

[Jblake]

I love tenants like this; no current local address and no way to vacate because they don't have a vehicle. Which means he's probably homeless. What does your termination notice say? Does it specify what happens if they don't vacate? Mine says their stuff will be disposed of after the date they were to be out. For starters, disable his gate code and overlock the unit. He no longer has a valid rental agreement so shouldn't have any access to the facility/unit at all. By locking him out completely, that forces him to come to you. You could certainly tell him at that point that you are putting his stuff in the dumpster because he is no longer a tenant, and if he wants it, that's where he will find it. Others on here have posted that your only option at this point is to evict through the court. When was he last in to take stuff? I will repeat what several others here say: "you can't care about his stuff more than he does". If he wanted it, he would have made an effort to get it.

You know, I really never thought of it that way…about caring about his stuff more than he does. You make a very valid point. Thanks for that. I like that way of looking at this situation.

[DairyGirl]

You know, I really never thought of it that way…about caring about his stuff more than he does. You make a very valid point. Thanks for that. I like that way of looking at this situation.

Just passing on a little bit of the wisdom I got from this site.

[curlymom234]

So I know this topic has been discussed, but I’d like to revive the conversation with some new insight. I’ve recently evicted a handful of tenants, most have followed through and left within the 30 day window. Of course, had they all moved on I wouldn’t be here looking for suggestions on what to do next…I considered the lien process, but don’t feel that is the correct solution seeings how they tried to make their payment, but I wouldn’t accept it. Now I have one that has remained 2 days past the deadline. He has no phone number (no thanks to the previous managers). He has an address that is several states away. He is on restricted access (business hours) and has only made one attempt to clean out unit. He arrived on a bicycle with his “help” on a skateboard. I would like to do the right thing and let him get his items, but I don’t want to have him mistaking my kindness for weakness and take advantage of us. I’m curious as to what steps others have taken in a similar situation. I am considering having his lock cut and dispose of the units contents in a large trash bag that I can place in the dumpster so that if he shows up before the trash man comes for the daily pick up, he can at least retrieve the bag and go on his way. What are other ideas are out there? All suggestions are appreciated.

The last attorney.I spoke to mentioned you'd have to go through the courts and do a formal eviction.

[KrisinCali]

Oh no. Next time they come in to pay, be kind and inform then you've rescinded the termination, but inform them of their rent increase of 200%. They'll get the message at that point and move on themselves. Then when they don't pay you can proceed with the lien process.

[MamaDuke]

Oh no. Next time they come in to pay, be kind and inform then you've rescinded the termination, but inform them of their rent increase of 200%. They'll get the message at that point and move on themselves. Then when they don't pay you can proceed with the lien process.

There are still places like LA County where you can't do this because of covid laws. So be sure to check with your local SSA to be sure you're safe to do this.

[KrisinCali]

Also, you know you can condition a person's access, yes? Lock their code out and overlock them every day. If they are PIA tell them, "You can only access your unit during business hours, for one hour. AFTER you stop by our office so we can release your code and we unlock your unit." Being aggressively overseen often shoos a non compliant tenant along of their own free will.

[StorageSam]

It sounds like a formal eviction needs to be followed. Follow MamaDuke's advice too about laws related to your region. Keep us updated!

[Jblake]

UPDATE:

okay so today was the last day for one of my evicted tenants to be out…he is out, but unfortunately not the way I had expected. I found him hanging from his unit this morning. I feel a terrible sense of guilt. The whole scenario has been difficult to process. I never saw this coming.

So I know this topic has been discussed, but I’d like to revive the conversation with some new insight. I’ve recently evicted a handful of tenants, most have followed through and left within the 30 day window. Of course, had they all moved on I wouldn’t be here looking for suggestions on what to do next…I considered the lien process, but don’t feel that is the correct solution seeings how they tried to make their payment, but I wouldn’t accept it. Now I have one that has remained 2 days past the deadline. He has no phone number (no thanks to the previous managers). He has an address that is several states away. He is on restricted access (business hours) and has only made one attempt to clean out unit. He arrived on a bicycle with his “help” on a skateboard. I would like to do the right thing and let him get his items, but I don’t want to have him mistaking my kindness for weakness and take advantage of us. I’m curious as to what steps others have taken in a similar situation. I am considering having his lock cut and dispose of the units contents in a large trash bag that I can place in the dumpster so that if he shows up before the trash man comes for the daily pick up, he can at least retrieve the bag and go on his way. What are other ideas are out there? All suggestions are appreciated.

[MamaDuke]

UPDATE:

okay so today was the last day for one of my evicted tenants to be out…he is out, but unfortunately not the way I had expected. I found him hanging from his unit this morning. I feel a terrible sense of guilt. The whole scenario has been difficult to process. I never saw this coming.

Oh no. I am so very sorry that you're dealing with such a traumatic event. Please be gentle with yourself as you process through this. Hugs.

[Gina6k]

jblake, I am truly sorry this happened. Don't own this situation. It's not because of you. This person had their issues, you tried being nice. Like MamaDuke said, be gentle with yourself.

[helenatim]

This is truly tragic and I feel for you. Be strong, be sure someone is there to support you if needed.

[KrisinCali]

UPDATE:

okay so today was the last day for one of my evicted tenants to be out…he is out, but unfortunately not the way I had expected. I found him hanging from his unit this morning. I feel a terrible sense of guilt. The whole scenario has been difficult to process. I never saw this coming.

Oh God, I am so sorry. Listen, I have first hand experience on this. It isn't your fault. It's terrible, but he had problems way before you and he met. Talk to a therapist ASAP.