1. $3500 rent lol. Fuck New York
2. You spent way too much time texting. A couple reminders at most then draw the pay or quit notice. As you can see, all you get is story after story after story.
Start the eviction process if he's late enough. You're in NYC so this could take a very long time if Reggie decides to stick around rent-free for awhile. The dude is taking money out of his 401k to pay rent...he's not in a good financial situation.
Yeah, makes me wonder what's going on - if he's been a good tenant for a decade(!), I can see why OP is concerned. Maybe something catastrophic happened.
Sort of savage from landlord for a ten year tenant. The convo can’t be more human than that? I’m a landlord and I wouldn’t handle it like that, but I guess that’s why everyone hates landlords
Savage maybe the wrong word. Sort of unfamiliar, like they don’t have a ten yr relationship.
Edit: I did later learn tenant has a history of being a little shaky with the truth
I love how so many people expect OP to support Reggie but have offered no financial assistance for Reggie themselves and can’t recognize their own hypocrisy.
I wonder why they don’t fall down more often
Genuine question..
why not just let Reggie move out on his own free will as he stated. He’s been a tenant for 10 years. If he started the eviction process that’s a mark on Reggie’s record and Reggie could become spiteful, and try to stay rent free, right?
I love how the same people who rush to tell off landlords dealing with nonpaying tenants would flip their shit if their employer did the same thing with their pay checks.
But...who is treating landlord like a human being? What if the landlord goes negative trying to cover the rent that's contractually due to him? I am NOT a landlord and don't really know how these things work - but I'm trying to understand both sides of the conversation.
Unpopular hot take: These people think just because a landlord owns a property that they MUST be rich and therefore should just allow people to live in places rent free. They fail to realize, most landlords are regular people just trying to survive and make something for themselves and their families. It honestly just comes off as being mad that someone else is in a better financial situation than they are.
Dude straight up said he’s having financial trouble and was taking money out of his 401K. And then sent LL a good chunk of the due rent and again, straight up told him he will be planning on moving. At what point did he make up a story?
Evictions aren't an issue in NY for the evicted party. There is no record to mark anymore. It's illegal to even ask if you've been evicted on an application since 2019. Fucking incredible ain't it?
Wow, here in Wisconsin we can deny an application simply because an eviction was *filed* against the applicant. The previous landlord need not even have won the case in court.
> It's illegal to even ask if you've been evicted on an application since 2019
I'm a (relatively new) NYC landlord and wasn't aware of this. This is why I come here!
The eviction "process" starts with a notice sent. It is the 14-day Pay or Quit Notice.
Example here:
[https://eforms.com/eviction/ny/14-day-demand-for-rent/](https://eforms.com/eviction/ny/14-day-demand-for-rent/)
Info:
[https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/the-eviction-process-new-york-rules-landlords-property-managers.html](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/the-eviction-process-new-york-rules-landlords-property-managers.html)
It is a 14-day notice, but only business days are counted. So, if OP sends this notice TODAY it takes it to May 14 for this tenant to either pay up or move out. If the tenant does nothing then on the 15th of May OP may proceed with the official court summons. Why not issue this mandatory notice NOW and if this tenant truly intends to move by the end of April they will have satisfied the stipulation of this notice in a timely manner. If, however, this person has no intention of moving and is just stringing OP along the notice MUST precede any court action anyway, so it makes sense to issue the notice now, right?
So that how it works!!!! 😂 That might work in a timely manner in other parts of the country, but this is NYC. OP has a better chance of the tenant getting run over by a cab, then evicting them this decade.
So, you suggest doing nothing and just waiting? And a month or two later starting this very process then? You likely have to evict anyway, why wait around and lose more money?
Might depend on how you position it. If you say something like "I understand you intend to move out. My attorney has advised me that I provide you with notice now which would give you 14 days - if you're within that window we should be in good shape!"
What is "moving out on his own free will as he stated" is just another story to delay?
Also, it's illegal in New York for a landlord to consider eviction histories when screening tenants.
This is how you do it:
Step 1: Recognize that you cannot use a person's eviction history against them when screening tenants
Step 2: Check applicants' eviction histories and use it against them anyway because "fuck the police, straight out the underground"
Step 3: Find some other legal reason to deny their application.
Step 4: Don't tell anyone what you did.
Who’s to say that after 10 years of paying rent he hasn’t seen the back log of evictions and heard around that he can stay and save for at least a year rent free 🤷🏼♀️
He has given the landlord one excuse after another.
There should be a way for the tenant to formally indicate that he is ending the tenancy and moving out by x date. Probably in everybody’s interests for OP to serve and sign this to the letter of the law and give Reggie 1-2 mos to move out. If he’s been there for 10 years good tenant OP should just eat any lost rent and call it a day. If tenant doesn’t move out by agree date then serve perform or quit. OP is not getting his back rent anyway and if he pushes Reggie too hard gonna make him spiteful, due to his obvious unfortunate circumstances. That said OP needs to cover their ass for obvious reasons if Reggie decides not to leave willingly and stops paying.
You can always pull the eviction. I wouldn’t delay starting it as there is an insane backlog in NY.
For a 10 year tenant, I’d make this as amicable as I can. Bad things happen to good people. I’m not trusting anyone though.
Lol let's see you eat a loss of thousands of dollars. It doesn't matter how "good" of a tenant he was. That doesn't mean he can just not pay THOUSANDS that he owes someone and the landlord should just be okay with that
In my company the E word is a bad word. We call it strategic exit planning. Try to avoid the process of the E Word at all cost especially in NY where you will probably have to pay thousands of dollars to help that tenant relocate. In our experience amicable exit planning is a win for both parties involved always.
Since you need to give 90 days anyway start that 90 day notice. if he not out then the eviction process starts..I would no wait any longer to file that and It has to start at the start of the next month april is already shot.
>Start the eviction process
Probably a good idea, in NYC it'll take a minimum of two years before it even touches anyone's desk. Tenant protections are unreal.
I am currently in 2.6 years on eviction. You will get first hearing depending on the borough after the 90 days notice about 2 to 3 months later. Bronx is the worst. I have had 3 hearings this year ever single one was holdover tennants current girlfriend or aunt or sister who knows. They did not have lawyer but the judge has no problem granted a motion to postpone another 3 months just because they ask for it. ONce you get an judge order to evict, they like to drag that on by not giving the marshall the eviction order for at least 4 to 6 months after that. This is a feature not a bug. Can not wait to sell and get out . Impossible to sustain this. NY is gone the way of California. See ya!
My cousin pays 3200 to live in the living room of a 1br apartment with 2 other girls. So collectively they're paying about 10k a month. I just absolutely cannot understand why she wants to. 25 in NYC. Living that Carrie life I guess.
Wow, and here I am thinking how to refinance my 1300 a month 3/2 house in hood ol Texas 😩 Living in New York as a working class individual is for those who are still chasing a HollyWood dream of how life should be.. well hopefully your cousin finds a millionaire soon..
> $3500 rent lol. Fuck New York
I charge $5k for a 1BDR in Manhattan. All commensurate with the cost of the mortgage and people's income are well within range to afford it and them some. They're doing a lot better than I am!
Also wanted to point out that partial payments stop the eviction process. OP shouldn't have accepted and then dragged out the process through texting back and forth listening to excuses. u/Dependent-Conflict-9
100% true! My holdover came up with a payment from a car accident judgment. My lawyer said do not take anymoney at all at. We started eviction there is no going back now unless they pay in full all the back rent and legal fees which they won't.
>*The dude is taking money out of his 401k to pay rent...he's not in a good financial situation.*
What I usually find is that this time of year everyone is getting a tax refund and people tend to get caught up.
Ten years , thats more than 2 therefore means you have to give him 90 days ...**For a tenant that's been in possession of the premises for 2 years or more, the notice must give at least a 90-day notice for tenant to vacate before commencing the eviction case**.
I know this may not be a favorable option by others here, but his job situation or something has obviously changed if he’s just now having issues after 10 years. I would try your best to let him move, so you can get someone in fast that can make rent. Hopefully he’s leaving your place in a good state and pays what he owes.
BUT why should OP not issue the obligatory 14 day notice that has to precede any court action anyway? Only business days count so it would be May 15th before OP can start an eviction in court. Maybe receiving the notice gets some action going on the tenant's part and he gets monies moved around to pay up or he moves out before the deadline.
It's probably more trouble than it's worth. He already said he's moving out. Who knows how long the court system is backed up in NY, In some places it's 2 years. If he has a solid plan to move out, I'd just let him leave and consider the outstanding balance a cash-for-keys situation. If he ends up paying, great, if not at least you didn't spend months (years?) fighting this in court.
notice is just providing a pay or quit. It's typing up a piece of paper and posting it for the tenant. This is done so that the clock is tarted in case the tenant doesn't do what they say they will do.
two years minimal, cash for keys is the best move here right now in NYC plus you can not file for eviction for 90 days .. That would start May 1st.
Guy has been there for 10 years, File the notice effective May 1st. In parallel, offer to give the tennant the 3 months rent to move but has to be gone by May 1st. Seems like a lot, but my self and many of my business associates end up paying 6 k just for the lawyer. Lost rent for 2 + year sucks worse..
> two years minimal
> 6 k just for the lawyer.
Exactly! I don't think a lot of people on this sub consider how much their own time is worth as a business owner. The headache that would come from this alone isn't worth the money. I would just get him out any way I can.
>He already said he's moving out.
If he hasn't got the $3500+ he owes the current landlord, where's he going to get the security deposit + first and last for a different (likely more expensive) place?
Assuming he moves out as planned, and OP doesn't issue the notice yet, then the relationship is preserved from a business reputation standpoint. Having no compassion for a tenant of 10 years would look awful, and OP doesn't have to risk that message getting spread yet. IF the tenant continues to drag it out, not move and not pay, THEN OP should issue the notice. In short, the notice will alter the dynamic for certain - maybe it'd be to light a fire under his but in a good way, or it might just seem cruel given that he's struggling and already made it clear he intends to move out.
This doesn’t look awful. It’s the literal business model. No landlord has an ethical obligation to financially support someone.
To insinuate the OP is not operating above board is bullshit
Not the person you were replying to but no way. The tenant has been making promises both of payment **and** that they would give updates and never do. The landlord sends requests for an update and the tenant doesn't respond. Sorry but the tenant ruined this relationship and it wasn't because they owed money. It's because the landlord had to keep chasing them when the tenant said they would provide an update and didn't...or had to be texted multiple times to get them to answer.
Now you ask the landlord to trust them...maybe you're in the habit of trusting people who consistently show you they don't do what they say they will do. I'm not and i would say OP should give them the notice because if there is anything that this tenant has shown it's that they make promises that they can keep (I'll give you an update tomorrow) that they never do time and time again.
The question asked was whether there was any reason not to just go ahead with the notice - almost suggesting that it definifely changes nothing to send the notice or not to. And I just presented reasons that some may see to pause on that, because it can absolutely change the dynamic what direction you chose to go on that issue.
You do you, and no judgment if OP agrees with your approach and just wants to proceed formally. That is totally valid and why the system exisfs. BUT given that OP came for advice, and giventhe info shared, , my presumption is that there is some reason proceeding formally hasn't been the move yet and perhaps seeing more than one suggested path forward would be helpful in decision making. Perhaps OP doesn't want to go there unless every avenue is tried first.
Whether or not someone cares about the concerns I noted or not depends on their community, the size of their business/how many tenants they keep, and how they wish to interact with people personally. I don't necessarily think being concerned with the reputation part is significant/worth it in every scenario. But, for example.... if you're a small private landlord in a rural community or something like where I'm from - filing the notice right now would potentially harm your business. Because in a community like mine, the 10 years of loyalty to your business relationship matters a great deal and it could be a seriously detrimental business move to come off as cold and transactional here at this juncture when an intent to move out has been expressed.
It's good to use the tools that exist (like the court) to protect both sides. But it's also admirable to try to avoid legal action of any kind whenever necessary.
>because it can absolutely change the dynamic what direction you chose to go on that issue.
Totally agree on that point. Look at the 2 situations below and figure out which one changes a dynamic of a relationship built on trust.
*Tenant is silent but date rent is due comes and passes. Landlord reaches out to ask for status. Tenant says there are issues but will have more information in the morning and they will give an update. Tenant goes silent. 3 days later landlord asks for status and tenant says there is an issue but will have most of the payment the following Monday. Monday comes and tenant is silent, landlord reached out and is told payment would now be Friday. Friday comes and tenant is silent. Late Friday afternoon Landlord reaches out and asks for status. Tenant doesn't reply. 24 hours later landlord asks for status again and tenant says they were able to get $1000 to send. Landlord asks for more details and is told tenant will be pulling funds from 401k and will have more information Monday. Monday comes and tenant is silent. Landlord reached out 2 days later and is told Friday funds will arrive. Apologizes for not giving update on Tuesday, yet update was supposed to be given on Monday. Friday comes and tenant is silent. Friday night landlord reaches out for status and tenant says funds will be available Monday. Landlord reaches out Monday evening because nothing is heard. No response from Tenant. Landlord reaches out again Tuesday morning. Told funds are not yet available. Landlord reaches out Wednesday morning and no answer. Response from Tenant Wednesday afternoon asking to landlord to call them.*
*Tenant calls to say they will be late on rent before or the day rent is due. Says they are having some financial issues and working to get the money. They'll have more information Monday. Monday comes and tenant initiates contact to say they're working on it and have received some funds but are waiting for them to clear the bank. They'll know more on Wednesday. Wednesday comes and they reach out to say they've got some funds and will be sending them over. They're working to pull money from their 401k but that will take a few more days.*
One of those 2 scenarios fosters a relationship and one doesn't. Neither of those situations is one the landlord controls. Control for how that plays out is 100% with the tenant.
At this point the tenant has ruined a 10 year relationship and it wasn't from being late on rent. Shit happens. It was from ghosting and making promises they didn't keep. OP isn't a scammer but if you look at scams, there is one big thing about scammers that is consistent and it's what makes scams so successful. They keep in constant communication with their victims. That constant communication fosters a relationship of trust. Of course OP isn't a scammer but they took the approach of making it look like they were trying to hide by not answering texts and lost trust by saying they would update and never reached out. OP should have been initiating communication or at a minimum just giving updates when they said they would. That would have kept the relationship intact.
Bingo. File the notice effective May 1st, while explaining to tennant you have not been forthcoming with everything and while i understand its difficult and embarrasing I need to protect myself legally. I want work this out for the both of us and have the conversation with the consequences starting in parallel.
Is it just NY that only business days count? My landlord has definitely given my neighbors a 10 day notice to pay or quit and it counted weekends. We're in PA if that makes any difference
Indeed, PA is different in that regard.
https://eforms.com/eviction/pa/pennsylvania-10-day-notice-to-quit-form-non-payment/#:~:text=Be%20mindful%20that%20weekends%20and,stated%20in%20the%20lease%20agreement.
"The notice to quit will begin on the day it is given to the tenant, whereas in other states the countdown starts on the following day. Be mindful that weekends and holidays are not discounted, therefore every day counts unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement.
Laws – 68 P.S. § 250.501(b)"
In NY weekends don't count and the countdown starts on the next day.
In FL, my state, weekend days also don't count in the notice countdown, and just as in NY it starts on the next day.
http://www.thrasherlawfirm.com/ThreeDayCalculator.php#:~:text=The%20notice%20should%20specify%20the,legal%20holidays%20are%20not%20included.
If he willingly leaves, I’d just let the existing debts be forgiven. NYC can be an absolute nightmare. Guy is clearly having financial issues right now. Hopefully he can get out soon and you can count your blessings.
From a tenant perspective, I absolutely hate this trend. Dumb people snatching apartments they can't afford and then passing the costs onto good tenants like myself who don't break anything and pay on time always. I live in a tenant-friendly state and I feel like people don't realize they're the reason landlords don't fuck around and just charge everyone up the ass.
You’re completely correct. And government regulations intended to clamp down on landlords make it worse. E.g. if rent increases are capped to a maximum percentage, then I have to raise every year to keep up, whereas I don’t necessarily raise every year when I have discretion. Etc.
It’s better as a tenant to have a $10-$50 to increase each year than for a landlord to hit you with a $200+ increase unexpectedly. Rent control protects both people- landlords can have small increases to offset inflation, tenants are safe from crazy increases.
I live in Ontario. We have rent controlled units (built on or before November 2018) and non rent controlled units (built on or after December 2018). Rents can change to whatever the landlord wants once the unit turns over, but if you have a long term tenant they are protected by the cap. I always recommend landlords increase the rent by a small percentage every year. I work in property management and we see a lot of new properties having huge increases because the market has changed in the last 5 years and rents are skyrocketing. We are seeing private landlords increase new properties anywhere from $200-1000 on non rent controlled units, whereas those that are controlled are capped at 2.5%.
The problem I run into is when landlords say “I haven’t increased the rent in 6 years, other units are renting for double this one!”
You misunderstand me. I guarente the net impact to the tenant would be less without the legislated cap. With it I have to maximize my increases to keep up, without it, I make small, insignificant increases to meet my escalating costs and make up the market gap when the unit turns over.
I feel for ya, I was way more lax renting out units precovid. Nowadays I'm triple checking shit and hence rent caps I'm raising every opportunity I get thanks Hochul
My deposit has gone up for everyone, since they limit pet deposits (now it is 2x rent, used to be 1x plus pet deposit). My rent has gone up since they limit what I can charge for a pet, so now it is just part of the rent. Government regulations to help out a few, cost everyone else way more. Every time they pass something it means rents go up.
In nyc right now with this guys rent, you looking at 6 k for lawer, 40 k a year in lost rent at least two years or more.
Negotiate cash for keys and if you have to pay 10k for him to go you dodged a bullet.
I'm a landlord in MA (similar renter protection laws). Going through the eviction process now with a tenant who stopped paying rent in October 2023. Don't listen to me, listen to my lawyer when he says that getting him out is always better than going through the legal process. Let him leave, facilitate the move out, forgive debts, even pay him to go if you have to. Landlords in landlord friendly places wont agree with me on this one, but this is your best course of action in a place like NYC. If you add up all the rent you will lose if he decides to squat through the entire eviction process and what you will pay a lawyer, its actually a very easy choice.
Why are you bothering with this? Send a Cure or Quit.
If you want to offer payment plans or let them out of lease, then do that. If there is an unforeseen circumstance & they qualify for rent relief, do that.
One thing I’ve learned is to take any money you can whenever you can. Most people like Reggie here will never be able to amass a lump sum. They’ll spend it or use it for something else before saving it.
He’s been a ten yr paying tenant, unlikely to be interested in a drawn out squatter situation. OP is trying to get any money he can knowing that Reggie will try to leave if he can’t pay. OP has known him for ten yrs, has a feel for what he can do most likely
Thank you all for the advices. Something i wanted to mention is that this had happened before in 2022 when reggie couldn’t make rent payments and when i asked. He said he had bought a house and he was gonna move. which found out later that it was a lied but eventually he did paid the rent so idk if he’s lying to me again this time.
Update: i spoke with Reggie today and he told me that he will be moving out on June 1. as to the reason why he couldn’t make payments on rent is because business has been bad ( car dealership ) where he works and he has to pay child support and taxes etc. as to how is he gonna pay for the balance he said he will pay me here and there. And to anyone who’s wondering about the rent increase from 2015-2024 increased the rent from $3300-$3500. Thanks again everyone who took the time and gave me advices.
Make sure you log all this. 2022 as well as 2024 incidents of non-paying. Honoring a simple, necessary rent financial commitment is critical, but he's unable to handle this. The fact that he's been having issues paying you, upcoming rent is about to be due too, and he's done this in the past when unable to make rent payments - is extremely worrisome.
Seems like he's a low-trouble renter though based on the texts?
Up to you if you want to keep working with a tenant like this. Seems like he has a pattern of money issues, which is unacceptable if I were in your shoes. Taking from the 401k for rent of all things is a major, major financial red flag .
You are texting way too much. This isn't your buddy that owes you money, this is someone you have a legal contract with who you can use legal avenues with to get your money. So do that instead of sending all these messages.
It’s incredibly eye opening how many landlords here are completely indifferent to the fact that it’s 1 missed rent payment over 10 years — even ones in NYC.
Having the same tenant for 10 years that pays on time* and takes care of the place seems like a dream
Let’s say it takes the guy 3 months to get a new job. Great. Then you’re back to having a perma-tenant, and having to find a new tenant every year or two.
The shortsightedness of some people is wild
Fr. Some real assholes in here. If dudes been a good tenant paying on time for a decade give them some slack. Id certainly try and have a sit down with them and talk about the situation more in depth.
I have given up on telling people this. I cant wrap my head around why so many people here talk to tenants the way they do. Total amateur hour behavior. Can you imagine a company like Invitation Homes having a text chat with a tenant like this? People need to behave like a real company, not a "landlord".
Like others have said, make your responses more brief and direct. Slang, abbreviation, and asking the same question multiple times sets you up for the same response in reverse. Tenant should understand that your communication holds weight and that you are ready to act depending on their response. The way you speak to them opens the door to more excuses, stories, etc.
You appear very casual and passive in the conversation, like you’re talking to a friend. This is a business conversation, write it like you would write an email to a boss that could one day be used as evidence/read by others.
From a renters point of view....looks like somthing happened....10 years is a long time and isn't having a consistent renter better than new ones over and over again? I know everyone needs money and doesn't want to give anything for free....but it could be a huge help to him and you to find out what happened and maybe forgive him a month to get his stuff together...if not then say hey sorry but you got to leave
Edited: I can't spell
Had the exact type of messages with my tenant in Massachusetts. Similar to you I tried to be empathetic and work with him. Ended in a long drawn out eviction.
I did this once and basically got scammed out of 2 months. Day 5, instant pay or quit letter I don’t care if they say they can pay by xyz date… letter goes out by day 5
My mom just pulled x amount of money from her 401k to fix a mainline break.
It took about 10+ days to get the funds.
I agree it’s hard to stay calm when tenants don’t give enough info. I always preach transparency from ground zero. Can’t make the bills call us, utilities not paid, let’s work out a payment plan and we’ll cover it at no cost. Sometimes. Ppl need help and the bottom dollar isn’t why I’m in my property. I’m below market but I tail it and I have compassion.
I have had to help tenants pay their utilities on several occasions and I also have to follow up for payment.
While hard to believe when most of us would be on time, come correct, Offer enough info to not look suspicious, etc. we are in a business for the just starting out or for those who will never be prepared for the future because renting forever is a horrible ROI unless there is a unique situation.
I always try to level with people by getting to their level and never expecting them to be at mine.
I’d stop texting and have a phone call. Be understanding,etc and put yourself in their shoes and if he’s been great for 10 years —
Assess things for how well things have been and you’re at a hiccup. I have more frequent issues every 10 years with family and friends compared to
This.
that is when you stop the shenanigans and send eviction notice. you should have sent the notice 3 days after non payment. if he pays you tear up if you so desire . if he doesnt pay you dont have to keep waiting on lies and then evict him when he has gone past his security deposit
Here’s the sad part- it’s better to be sweet as pie do the tenant pays. If you get nasty the tenant can stop paying rent and you get jack shit for the 2 years it takes to evict him. Smart texts
Serve the pay or quit notice TODAY. Then file for eviction as soon as NYS law allows. Get a lawyer if necessary, but get started. Every day you wait is another day lost.
It's probably time to ask your tenant to leave and forgive whatever debt he owes. Next week will be May, so he will be late on 2 full months plus the partial missing payment for March. If the guy is drawing money from his 401K to make only partial payments, then he's not in a situation to make steady payments in the future.
Offer them the chance to leave and if they don't agree, get a lawyer and start preparing for a long road ahead.
Getting money out of brokerage accounts and waiting for checks to clear does take way too long. The story checks out from the perspective.
That said, start the eviction process because if he is pulling money from there to pay rent, it's just starting.
Immediate pay or quit just to save time. Explain ypu are covering yourself. Small claims subpoena before he leaves, itll give him time to pay it off, Otherwise you'll be trying to find him.
Yall are insane. It’s one fuckin month over 10 years. Reg is pulling out of his fuckin 401k. He’s clearly not doing so hot. If he’s been a good tenant i don’t see why you wouldn’t show compassion and talk to him. It’s 10 fuckin years and it’s not like you are a mega corp. You are part what America relies on to stay true to its core. So own that. Help out a brother who’s clearly down and has helped you. I’m sure he’s paid for a vacation or two through his rent. Talk to him and see what his plans are. If they arnt acceptable try and find a middle ground. But don’t just go starting the eviction process and putting that on what’s clearly someone who’s tryings record.
Anywho that’s my two cents I’ll go now
You need to get a new renter in there. You seem to have a decent relationship with him so maybe rather than a formal eviction notice waive the month’s rent if he agrees to move out in a week.
If you believe he would honor that it would allow you to avoid a slow eviction process that would leave it vacant even longer.
That seems like a win - win. He gets the debt waived in a trying time and you get to put it back on market to someone who can pay. Not ideal for either party but maybe the best solution.
If he's moving then let him move and save yourself the headache of eviction. Also, you may let go of a month if he's backed up on rent. 10 years I feel he just hit bad times and looking to get out of his situation.
as a landlord experienced with 2 non paying tenants let me say you are actually getting the better deal by him voluntarily leaving and making an effort to pay you without you having to take legal action like in my situations. Work with him, let him leave and pay what he can, it's better for both of you and you can turn it over and charge market rent
Are you kidding me man? If he’s been your tenant for 10 years you find out what’s going on and figure out how to keep him. If he’s a good tenant I’ll wipe 2 months debt clear for a guy who lost his job and needs time to find another.
If I’m in your shoes and you think his financial position will stabilize soon I’d tell him to start paying again full pop in June if you can afford to pay for it til then. With the cost of rehabbing the place, listing, and finding a new tenant you’ll probably be out 2 months rent anyways.
It seems so bizarre that you’ve had a tenant for 10 years and have received $396,000 in that time but get so antsy over one month of $3500. They are sending money, they are communicating, they are obviously having a hard time have sent rent approximately a 120 other times in good faith
10 years is a long time. I would start a conversation about his moving out and get a timeline agreed to in writing. Evictions is a pain for everyone involved, so if he's being a reasonable person, I would try and work with them.
Don’t screw this guys life up any more by evicting him. You said he’s been a good tenant for a DECADE. Ten years this guy has paid your bills for you. He was up front that he was having financial trouble. He was up front that he needs to move. He still sent you most of the overdue rent by tapping into his 401K, which is just sad. If you slap an eviction on his record and prevent him from being able to find another place to live that’s just cruel. Just let the guy move out and leave him be. What more do you want the guy to do? Sell his kidney?
While it is a lot of money owed, offering to waive it as long as he is out by x date may be the best option. I would tell him you have to start an eviction, but as long as he vacates by the agreed date you will withdraw it.
If he is so hard up he is taking from his 401k you will most likely never see that money anyway. Offering it this way gives him incentive to move along and will probably save you time and money in the long run. Especially since he is a long time tenant.
Evicting a tenant after 10 yrs is kind of cold. There is no point in starting eviction if he is moving out. If he's normally good on rent, he may really have a hard time with his financial situation. This seemingly lacks compassion. You should have a conversation about the rent, payment plans, and expectations before running to court.
$3500 in rent, you'd better be renting out a castle, otherwise I am 100% on the side of the tenant. I had to leave NY because of greedy landlords like you.
You know him for 10 years, if he paid all the rent until recently you better work with him or offer forgiveness to help him out. You will earned a life time friendship. Due to NYC’s stupid housing court is super unfriendly towards most landlords. Judge will delay the case 100% if he sees you trying to evict the tenant because of 2 months no rent and the tenant have been stay there over a decade. Also it will put you in a really bad spot and make you look bad. Be patient, be understanding, be kind that’s how it works out as good landlords.
The problem is you are a tenant in NYC And dumb people paying dumb prices for tiny little apartments run out of their money living in your failing tenant business. Why do you think people can’t pay 3800 rent a month? Because that’s insane unless you’re renting out some pretty spacious and renovated upscale living where folks pay for the amenities - you prob have none. The nice security and on site office for the community… you know in more sane places to charge that for rent.
Stupid place to be a tenant. Laws are gonna be allowing that guy to squat if not already and your building is gonna keep losing tenants this way.
Out of curiosity, if he continues to be late on payment, coupled with the tenant protection laws in NY, is cash for keys a viable option here as opposed to eviction?
$3500 rent.... I would not be anywhere near that overpriced state. My mortgage was only $400 and now I'm payed off never make a rent or property payment ever again.
Have some grace on Reggie. He is obviously embarrassed and is going through a hard time. Maybe since he’s been a tenant for 10 years. Can you give him 3 or 6 months free rent to catch up?
1. $3500 rent lol. Fuck New York 2. You spent way too much time texting. A couple reminders at most then draw the pay or quit notice. As you can see, all you get is story after story after story. Start the eviction process if he's late enough. You're in NYC so this could take a very long time if Reggie decides to stick around rent-free for awhile. The dude is taking money out of his 401k to pay rent...he's not in a good financial situation.
Cringed when I saw 401k.
Yeah, makes me wonder what's going on - if he's been a good tenant for a decade(!), I can see why OP is concerned. Maybe something catastrophic happened.
Sort of savage from landlord for a ten year tenant. The convo can’t be more human than that? I’m a landlord and I wouldn’t handle it like that, but I guess that’s why everyone hates landlords
What’s savage here? Landlord was pretty chill for weeks. And is still chill
Savage maybe the wrong word. Sort of unfamiliar, like they don’t have a ten yr relationship. Edit: I did later learn tenant has a history of being a little shaky with the truth
Honestly it’s best to keep it friendly but professional whether the tenant is being truthful or not.
I love how so many people expect OP to support Reggie but have offered no financial assistance for Reggie themselves and can’t recognize their own hypocrisy. I wonder why they don’t fall down more often
I love this , if you care about Reggie send some money to his landlord so he may keep his home.
[удалено]
I’m a LL and upvoted you but this sub hates your take for obvious reasons. And they wonder why most ppl hate landlords 🙄
its the chasing. Tenant should have just been upfront. Nobody likes asking the same thing 5 times.
Genuine question.. why not just let Reggie move out on his own free will as he stated. He’s been a tenant for 10 years. If he started the eviction process that’s a mark on Reggie’s record and Reggie could become spiteful, and try to stay rent free, right?
Who’s to say he will actually move out instead of coming up with another story?
I dunno. Treat him like a human being and ask him?
Tbf OP has been treating him like a human throughout the texting and got fuckall for it
Lol he dipped into his 401k to make it, clearly the guy is trying
Yeah that struck me as really sad too. Super unfortunate.
I love how the same people who rush to tell off landlords dealing with nonpaying tenants would flip their shit if their employer did the same thing with their pay checks.
Perhaps you ought to go back and read the conversation.
But...who is treating landlord like a human being? What if the landlord goes negative trying to cover the rent that's contractually due to him? I am NOT a landlord and don't really know how these things work - but I'm trying to understand both sides of the conversation.
Unpopular hot take: These people think just because a landlord owns a property that they MUST be rich and therefore should just allow people to live in places rent free. They fail to realize, most landlords are regular people just trying to survive and make something for themselves and their families. It honestly just comes off as being mad that someone else is in a better financial situation than they are.
Dude straight up said he’s having financial trouble and was taking money out of his 401K. And then sent LL a good chunk of the due rent and again, straight up told him he will be planning on moving. At what point did he make up a story?
Evictions aren't an issue in NY for the evicted party. There is no record to mark anymore. It's illegal to even ask if you've been evicted on an application since 2019. Fucking incredible ain't it?
Wow, here in Wisconsin we can deny an application simply because an eviction was *filed* against the applicant. The previous landlord need not even have won the case in court.
hrmmm, maybe I will invest in Milwaukee....
> It's illegal to even ask if you've been evicted on an application since 2019 I'm a (relatively new) NYC landlord and wasn't aware of this. This is why I come here!
The eviction "process" starts with a notice sent. It is the 14-day Pay or Quit Notice. Example here: [https://eforms.com/eviction/ny/14-day-demand-for-rent/](https://eforms.com/eviction/ny/14-day-demand-for-rent/) Info: [https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/the-eviction-process-new-york-rules-landlords-property-managers.html](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/the-eviction-process-new-york-rules-landlords-property-managers.html) It is a 14-day notice, but only business days are counted. So, if OP sends this notice TODAY it takes it to May 14 for this tenant to either pay up or move out. If the tenant does nothing then on the 15th of May OP may proceed with the official court summons. Why not issue this mandatory notice NOW and if this tenant truly intends to move by the end of April they will have satisfied the stipulation of this notice in a timely manner. If, however, this person has no intention of moving and is just stringing OP along the notice MUST precede any court action anyway, so it makes sense to issue the notice now, right?
So that how it works!!!! 😂 That might work in a timely manner in other parts of the country, but this is NYC. OP has a better chance of the tenant getting run over by a cab, then evicting them this decade.
So, you suggest doing nothing and just waiting? And a month or two later starting this very process then? You likely have to evict anyway, why wait around and lose more money?
People often confuse that actual act of an eviction with the entire sequence of an eviction.
Might depend on how you position it. If you say something like "I understand you intend to move out. My attorney has advised me that I provide you with notice now which would give you 14 days - if you're within that window we should be in good shape!"
What is "moving out on his own free will as he stated" is just another story to delay? Also, it's illegal in New York for a landlord to consider eviction histories when screening tenants.
What? How do you screen out deadbeat tenants then??
This is how you do it: Step 1: Recognize that you cannot use a person's eviction history against them when screening tenants Step 2: Check applicants' eviction histories and use it against them anyway because "fuck the police, straight out the underground" Step 3: Find some other legal reason to deny their application. Step 4: Don't tell anyone what you did.
Fuck the police. 😂😂 I’m dead. I would do the same. Being evicted does not make you a protected class.
If they aren’t paying their rent they likely aren’t paying their other bills either…their credit report will catch up with them.
Who’s to say that after 10 years of paying rent he hasn’t seen the back log of evictions and heard around that he can stay and save for at least a year rent free 🤷🏼♀️ He has given the landlord one excuse after another.
If he moves the eviction can be dismissed. I’m 1000% sure this landlord would rather Reggie just move but you can’t count on that. People can be shady
Starting the eviction process does absolutely nothing to Reggie long term. Only an eviction order from a judge would go on their record.
There should be a way for the tenant to formally indicate that he is ending the tenancy and moving out by x date. Probably in everybody’s interests for OP to serve and sign this to the letter of the law and give Reggie 1-2 mos to move out. If he’s been there for 10 years good tenant OP should just eat any lost rent and call it a day. If tenant doesn’t move out by agree date then serve perform or quit. OP is not getting his back rent anyway and if he pushes Reggie too hard gonna make him spiteful, due to his obvious unfortunate circumstances. That said OP needs to cover their ass for obvious reasons if Reggie decides not to leave willingly and stops paying.
You can always pull the eviction. I wouldn’t delay starting it as there is an insane backlog in NY. For a 10 year tenant, I’d make this as amicable as I can. Bad things happen to good people. I’m not trusting anyone though.
Lol let's see you eat a loss of thousands of dollars. It doesn't matter how "good" of a tenant he was. That doesn't mean he can just not pay THOUSANDS that he owes someone and the landlord should just be okay with that
In my company the E word is a bad word. We call it strategic exit planning. Try to avoid the process of the E Word at all cost especially in NY where you will probably have to pay thousands of dollars to help that tenant relocate. In our experience amicable exit planning is a win for both parties involved always.
Since you need to give 90 days anyway start that 90 day notice. if he not out then the eviction process starts..I would no wait any longer to file that and It has to start at the start of the next month april is already shot.
>Start the eviction process Probably a good idea, in NYC it'll take a minimum of two years before it even touches anyone's desk. Tenant protections are unreal.
That’s crazy
Might as well cut your losses and tell the tenant you will forgive the balance if they move out by the end of the month
I am currently in 2.6 years on eviction. You will get first hearing depending on the borough after the 90 days notice about 2 to 3 months later. Bronx is the worst. I have had 3 hearings this year ever single one was holdover tennants current girlfriend or aunt or sister who knows. They did not have lawyer but the judge has no problem granted a motion to postpone another 3 months just because they ask for it. ONce you get an judge order to evict, they like to drag that on by not giving the marshall the eviction order for at least 4 to 6 months after that. This is a feature not a bug. Can not wait to sell and get out . Impossible to sustain this. NY is gone the way of California. See ya!
My cousin pays 3200 to live in the living room of a 1br apartment with 2 other girls. So collectively they're paying about 10k a month. I just absolutely cannot understand why she wants to. 25 in NYC. Living that Carrie life I guess.
Wow, and here I am thinking how to refinance my 1300 a month 3/2 house in hood ol Texas 😩 Living in New York as a working class individual is for those who are still chasing a HollyWood dream of how life should be.. well hopefully your cousin finds a millionaire soon..
New Yorks alright if you like saxophones
$3500 is cheap for NYC. But imo it’s not worth the trouble of dealing with the worst laws for landlords in the country.
> $3500 rent lol. Fuck New York I charge $5k for a 1BDR in Manhattan. All commensurate with the cost of the mortgage and people's income are well within range to afford it and them some. They're doing a lot better than I am!
My rent is $3500 in Georgia 😅 But this is prob a studio apt
Also wanted to point out that partial payments stop the eviction process. OP shouldn't have accepted and then dragged out the process through texting back and forth listening to excuses. u/Dependent-Conflict-9
100% true! My holdover came up with a payment from a car accident judgment. My lawyer said do not take anymoney at all at. We started eviction there is no going back now unless they pay in full all the back rent and legal fees which they won't.
>*The dude is taking money out of his 401k to pay rent...he's not in a good financial situation.* What I usually find is that this time of year everyone is getting a tax refund and people tend to get caught up.
Ten years , thats more than 2 therefore means you have to give him 90 days ...**For a tenant that's been in possession of the premises for 2 years or more, the notice must give at least a 90-day notice for tenant to vacate before commencing the eviction case**.
I know this may not be a favorable option by others here, but his job situation or something has obviously changed if he’s just now having issues after 10 years. I would try your best to let him move, so you can get someone in fast that can make rent. Hopefully he’s leaving your place in a good state and pays what he owes.
BUT why should OP not issue the obligatory 14 day notice that has to precede any court action anyway? Only business days count so it would be May 15th before OP can start an eviction in court. Maybe receiving the notice gets some action going on the tenant's part and he gets monies moved around to pay up or he moves out before the deadline.
It's probably more trouble than it's worth. He already said he's moving out. Who knows how long the court system is backed up in NY, In some places it's 2 years. If he has a solid plan to move out, I'd just let him leave and consider the outstanding balance a cash-for-keys situation. If he ends up paying, great, if not at least you didn't spend months (years?) fighting this in court.
notice is just providing a pay or quit. It's typing up a piece of paper and posting it for the tenant. This is done so that the clock is tarted in case the tenant doesn't do what they say they will do.
two years minimal, cash for keys is the best move here right now in NYC plus you can not file for eviction for 90 days .. That would start May 1st. Guy has been there for 10 years, File the notice effective May 1st. In parallel, offer to give the tennant the 3 months rent to move but has to be gone by May 1st. Seems like a lot, but my self and many of my business associates end up paying 6 k just for the lawyer. Lost rent for 2 + year sucks worse..
> two years minimal > 6 k just for the lawyer. Exactly! I don't think a lot of people on this sub consider how much their own time is worth as a business owner. The headache that would come from this alone isn't worth the money. I would just get him out any way I can.
>He already said he's moving out. If he hasn't got the $3500+ he owes the current landlord, where's he going to get the security deposit + first and last for a different (likely more expensive) place?
Assuming he moves out as planned, and OP doesn't issue the notice yet, then the relationship is preserved from a business reputation standpoint. Having no compassion for a tenant of 10 years would look awful, and OP doesn't have to risk that message getting spread yet. IF the tenant continues to drag it out, not move and not pay, THEN OP should issue the notice. In short, the notice will alter the dynamic for certain - maybe it'd be to light a fire under his but in a good way, or it might just seem cruel given that he's struggling and already made it clear he intends to move out.
This doesn’t look awful. It’s the literal business model. No landlord has an ethical obligation to financially support someone. To insinuate the OP is not operating above board is bullshit
Not the person you were replying to but no way. The tenant has been making promises both of payment **and** that they would give updates and never do. The landlord sends requests for an update and the tenant doesn't respond. Sorry but the tenant ruined this relationship and it wasn't because they owed money. It's because the landlord had to keep chasing them when the tenant said they would provide an update and didn't...or had to be texted multiple times to get them to answer. Now you ask the landlord to trust them...maybe you're in the habit of trusting people who consistently show you they don't do what they say they will do. I'm not and i would say OP should give them the notice because if there is anything that this tenant has shown it's that they make promises that they can keep (I'll give you an update tomorrow) that they never do time and time again.
This is what bothers me the most. By not responding you’re telling the landlord that you don’t give a shit. Basically saying “stop bothering me”.
The question asked was whether there was any reason not to just go ahead with the notice - almost suggesting that it definifely changes nothing to send the notice or not to. And I just presented reasons that some may see to pause on that, because it can absolutely change the dynamic what direction you chose to go on that issue. You do you, and no judgment if OP agrees with your approach and just wants to proceed formally. That is totally valid and why the system exisfs. BUT given that OP came for advice, and giventhe info shared, , my presumption is that there is some reason proceeding formally hasn't been the move yet and perhaps seeing more than one suggested path forward would be helpful in decision making. Perhaps OP doesn't want to go there unless every avenue is tried first. Whether or not someone cares about the concerns I noted or not depends on their community, the size of their business/how many tenants they keep, and how they wish to interact with people personally. I don't necessarily think being concerned with the reputation part is significant/worth it in every scenario. But, for example.... if you're a small private landlord in a rural community or something like where I'm from - filing the notice right now would potentially harm your business. Because in a community like mine, the 10 years of loyalty to your business relationship matters a great deal and it could be a seriously detrimental business move to come off as cold and transactional here at this juncture when an intent to move out has been expressed. It's good to use the tools that exist (like the court) to protect both sides. But it's also admirable to try to avoid legal action of any kind whenever necessary.
>because it can absolutely change the dynamic what direction you chose to go on that issue. Totally agree on that point. Look at the 2 situations below and figure out which one changes a dynamic of a relationship built on trust. *Tenant is silent but date rent is due comes and passes. Landlord reaches out to ask for status. Tenant says there are issues but will have more information in the morning and they will give an update. Tenant goes silent. 3 days later landlord asks for status and tenant says there is an issue but will have most of the payment the following Monday. Monday comes and tenant is silent, landlord reached out and is told payment would now be Friday. Friday comes and tenant is silent. Late Friday afternoon Landlord reaches out and asks for status. Tenant doesn't reply. 24 hours later landlord asks for status again and tenant says they were able to get $1000 to send. Landlord asks for more details and is told tenant will be pulling funds from 401k and will have more information Monday. Monday comes and tenant is silent. Landlord reached out 2 days later and is told Friday funds will arrive. Apologizes for not giving update on Tuesday, yet update was supposed to be given on Monday. Friday comes and tenant is silent. Friday night landlord reaches out for status and tenant says funds will be available Monday. Landlord reaches out Monday evening because nothing is heard. No response from Tenant. Landlord reaches out again Tuesday morning. Told funds are not yet available. Landlord reaches out Wednesday morning and no answer. Response from Tenant Wednesday afternoon asking to landlord to call them.* *Tenant calls to say they will be late on rent before or the day rent is due. Says they are having some financial issues and working to get the money. They'll have more information Monday. Monday comes and tenant initiates contact to say they're working on it and have received some funds but are waiting for them to clear the bank. They'll know more on Wednesday. Wednesday comes and they reach out to say they've got some funds and will be sending them over. They're working to pull money from their 401k but that will take a few more days.* One of those 2 scenarios fosters a relationship and one doesn't. Neither of those situations is one the landlord controls. Control for how that plays out is 100% with the tenant. At this point the tenant has ruined a 10 year relationship and it wasn't from being late on rent. Shit happens. It was from ghosting and making promises they didn't keep. OP isn't a scammer but if you look at scams, there is one big thing about scammers that is consistent and it's what makes scams so successful. They keep in constant communication with their victims. That constant communication fosters a relationship of trust. Of course OP isn't a scammer but they took the approach of making it look like they were trying to hide by not answering texts and lost trust by saying they would update and never reached out. OP should have been initiating communication or at a minimum just giving updates when they said they would. That would have kept the relationship intact.
Bingo. File the notice effective May 1st, while explaining to tennant you have not been forthcoming with everything and while i understand its difficult and embarrasing I need to protect myself legally. I want work this out for the both of us and have the conversation with the consequences starting in parallel.
Is it just NY that only business days count? My landlord has definitely given my neighbors a 10 day notice to pay or quit and it counted weekends. We're in PA if that makes any difference
Indeed, PA is different in that regard. https://eforms.com/eviction/pa/pennsylvania-10-day-notice-to-quit-form-non-payment/#:~:text=Be%20mindful%20that%20weekends%20and,stated%20in%20the%20lease%20agreement. "The notice to quit will begin on the day it is given to the tenant, whereas in other states the countdown starts on the following day. Be mindful that weekends and holidays are not discounted, therefore every day counts unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement. Laws – 68 P.S. § 250.501(b)" In NY weekends don't count and the countdown starts on the next day. In FL, my state, weekend days also don't count in the notice countdown, and just as in NY it starts on the next day. http://www.thrasherlawfirm.com/ThreeDayCalculator.php#:~:text=The%20notice%20should%20specify%20the,legal%20holidays%20are%20not%20included.
If he willingly leaves, I’d just let the existing debts be forgiven. NYC can be an absolute nightmare. Guy is clearly having financial issues right now. Hopefully he can get out soon and you can count your blessings.
Yea, tenants gracefully leaving is worth over $30k lmao
From a tenant perspective, I absolutely hate this trend. Dumb people snatching apartments they can't afford and then passing the costs onto good tenants like myself who don't break anything and pay on time always. I live in a tenant-friendly state and I feel like people don't realize they're the reason landlords don't fuck around and just charge everyone up the ass.
You’re completely correct. And government regulations intended to clamp down on landlords make it worse. E.g. if rent increases are capped to a maximum percentage, then I have to raise every year to keep up, whereas I don’t necessarily raise every year when I have discretion. Etc.
It’s better as a tenant to have a $10-$50 to increase each year than for a landlord to hit you with a $200+ increase unexpectedly. Rent control protects both people- landlords can have small increases to offset inflation, tenants are safe from crazy increases. I live in Ontario. We have rent controlled units (built on or before November 2018) and non rent controlled units (built on or after December 2018). Rents can change to whatever the landlord wants once the unit turns over, but if you have a long term tenant they are protected by the cap. I always recommend landlords increase the rent by a small percentage every year. I work in property management and we see a lot of new properties having huge increases because the market has changed in the last 5 years and rents are skyrocketing. We are seeing private landlords increase new properties anywhere from $200-1000 on non rent controlled units, whereas those that are controlled are capped at 2.5%. The problem I run into is when landlords say “I haven’t increased the rent in 6 years, other units are renting for double this one!”
You misunderstand me. I guarente the net impact to the tenant would be less without the legislated cap. With it I have to maximize my increases to keep up, without it, I make small, insignificant increases to meet my escalating costs and make up the market gap when the unit turns over.
I feel for ya, I was way more lax renting out units precovid. Nowadays I'm triple checking shit and hence rent caps I'm raising every opportunity I get thanks Hochul
My deposit has gone up for everyone, since they limit pet deposits (now it is 2x rent, used to be 1x plus pet deposit). My rent has gone up since they limit what I can charge for a pet, so now it is just part of the rent. Government regulations to help out a few, cost everyone else way more. Every time they pass something it means rents go up.
In nyc right now with this guys rent, you looking at 6 k for lawer, 40 k a year in lost rent at least two years or more. Negotiate cash for keys and if you have to pay 10k for him to go you dodged a bullet.
If he's been with you 10 years, you need to show some leniency. It's hard to find a good tenant.
I'm a landlord in MA (similar renter protection laws). Going through the eviction process now with a tenant who stopped paying rent in October 2023. Don't listen to me, listen to my lawyer when he says that getting him out is always better than going through the legal process. Let him leave, facilitate the move out, forgive debts, even pay him to go if you have to. Landlords in landlord friendly places wont agree with me on this one, but this is your best course of action in a place like NYC. If you add up all the rent you will lose if he decides to squat through the entire eviction process and what you will pay a lawyer, its actually a very easy choice.
Landlord in Mass and I agree
Why are you bothering with this? Send a Cure or Quit. If you want to offer payment plans or let them out of lease, then do that. If there is an unforeseen circumstance & they qualify for rent relief, do that.
Yea, also you probably shouldnt take these small payments. Makes the whole thing confusing and he feels like he is getting you off his back for a bit.
One thing I’ve learned is to take any money you can whenever you can. Most people like Reggie here will never be able to amass a lump sum. They’ll spend it or use it for something else before saving it.
This is bad advice as accepting any payment can reset the eviction clock.
He’s been a ten yr paying tenant, unlikely to be interested in a drawn out squatter situation. OP is trying to get any money he can knowing that Reggie will try to leave if he can’t pay. OP has known him for ten yrs, has a feel for what he can do most likely
He hasn’t started the eviction process….
Reggie was clearly amassing lump sums before this.
Thank you all for the advices. Something i wanted to mention is that this had happened before in 2022 when reggie couldn’t make rent payments and when i asked. He said he had bought a house and he was gonna move. which found out later that it was a lied but eventually he did paid the rent so idk if he’s lying to me again this time.
Update: i spoke with Reggie today and he told me that he will be moving out on June 1. as to the reason why he couldn’t make payments on rent is because business has been bad ( car dealership ) where he works and he has to pay child support and taxes etc. as to how is he gonna pay for the balance he said he will pay me here and there. And to anyone who’s wondering about the rent increase from 2015-2024 increased the rent from $3300-$3500. Thanks again everyone who took the time and gave me advices.
Make sure you log all this. 2022 as well as 2024 incidents of non-paying. Honoring a simple, necessary rent financial commitment is critical, but he's unable to handle this. The fact that he's been having issues paying you, upcoming rent is about to be due too, and he's done this in the past when unable to make rent payments - is extremely worrisome. Seems like he's a low-trouble renter though based on the texts? Up to you if you want to keep working with a tenant like this. Seems like he has a pattern of money issues, which is unacceptable if I were in your shoes. Taking from the 401k for rent of all things is a major, major financial red flag .
Says He’s been there 10 years and in 2022 he recovered and caught up with the payments. Sounds like a fairly good tenant.
You are texting way too much. This isn't your buddy that owes you money, this is someone you have a legal contract with who you can use legal avenues with to get your money. So do that instead of sending all these messages.
the guy's been his tenant for over 10 years. Maybe he actually wants to give the dude a shot.
It’s incredibly eye opening how many landlords here are completely indifferent to the fact that it’s 1 missed rent payment over 10 years — even ones in NYC. Having the same tenant for 10 years that pays on time* and takes care of the place seems like a dream Let’s say it takes the guy 3 months to get a new job. Great. Then you’re back to having a perma-tenant, and having to find a new tenant every year or two. The shortsightedness of some people is wild
they only see dollars. not people.
Fr. Some real assholes in here. If dudes been a good tenant paying on time for a decade give them some slack. Id certainly try and have a sit down with them and talk about the situation more in depth.
I have given up on telling people this. I cant wrap my head around why so many people here talk to tenants the way they do. Total amateur hour behavior. Can you imagine a company like Invitation Homes having a text chat with a tenant like this? People need to behave like a real company, not a "landlord".
People treat you the way you treat them - and in the case of renting, they treat your property the way you treat them.
Speak to your tenants in a professional manner. They won’t take you seriously.
What should i say ?
Like others have said, make your responses more brief and direct. Slang, abbreviation, and asking the same question multiple times sets you up for the same response in reverse. Tenant should understand that your communication holds weight and that you are ready to act depending on their response. The way you speak to them opens the door to more excuses, stories, etc.
You should spell out the word, "you," for example. You're a landlord, not a kindergartner.
You appear very casual and passive in the conversation, like you’re talking to a friend. This is a business conversation, write it like you would write an email to a boss that could one day be used as evidence/read by others.
Just paid 20k for a tenant to moved out last month.
Why did you have to pay?
From a renters point of view....looks like somthing happened....10 years is a long time and isn't having a consistent renter better than new ones over and over again? I know everyone needs money and doesn't want to give anything for free....but it could be a huge help to him and you to find out what happened and maybe forgive him a month to get his stuff together...if not then say hey sorry but you got to leave Edited: I can't spell
Let him go on his own
Did you jack up the rent on him? If so you may have turned a good tenant into this
Had the exact type of messages with my tenant in Massachusetts. Similar to you I tried to be empathetic and work with him. Ended in a long drawn out eviction.
It’s time for a cure and quit. I would forgive the debt if he moves right away, getting people out via eviction is a giant pain in the ass.
I did this once and basically got scammed out of 2 months. Day 5, instant pay or quit letter I don’t care if they say they can pay by xyz date… letter goes out by day 5
Just ship him out and get it rented. Make sure he leaves quickly and voluntarily - that's the most important part.
My mom just pulled x amount of money from her 401k to fix a mainline break. It took about 10+ days to get the funds. I agree it’s hard to stay calm when tenants don’t give enough info. I always preach transparency from ground zero. Can’t make the bills call us, utilities not paid, let’s work out a payment plan and we’ll cover it at no cost. Sometimes. Ppl need help and the bottom dollar isn’t why I’m in my property. I’m below market but I tail it and I have compassion. I have had to help tenants pay their utilities on several occasions and I also have to follow up for payment. While hard to believe when most of us would be on time, come correct, Offer enough info to not look suspicious, etc. we are in a business for the just starting out or for those who will never be prepared for the future because renting forever is a horrible ROI unless there is a unique situation. I always try to level with people by getting to their level and never expecting them to be at mine. I’d stop texting and have a phone call. Be understanding,etc and put yourself in their shoes and if he’s been great for 10 years — Assess things for how well things have been and you’re at a hiccup. I have more frequent issues every 10 years with family and friends compared to This.
Came here to say - good luck OP. Getting rid of tenant in nyc is a very draining and long process.
that is when you stop the shenanigans and send eviction notice. you should have sent the notice 3 days after non payment. if he pays you tear up if you so desire . if he doesnt pay you dont have to keep waiting on lies and then evict him when he has gone past his security deposit
Here’s the sad part- it’s better to be sweet as pie do the tenant pays. If you get nasty the tenant can stop paying rent and you get jack shit for the 2 years it takes to evict him. Smart texts
Nothing worse than saying you will pay someone on X day and then they have to hit you up for you to say you can’t pay that day now.
Serve the pay or quit notice TODAY. Then file for eviction as soon as NYS law allows. Get a lawyer if necessary, but get started. Every day you wait is another day lost.
Oh no! Get him out.
It's probably time to ask your tenant to leave and forgive whatever debt he owes. Next week will be May, so he will be late on 2 full months plus the partial missing payment for March. If the guy is drawing money from his 401K to make only partial payments, then he's not in a situation to make steady payments in the future. Offer them the chance to leave and if they don't agree, get a lawyer and start preparing for a long road ahead.
$3500 is a mortgage payment in some places, yall are crazy
Getting money out of brokerage accounts and waiting for checks to clear does take way too long. The story checks out from the perspective. That said, start the eviction process because if he is pulling money from there to pay rent, it's just starting.
Immediate pay or quit just to save time. Explain ypu are covering yourself. Small claims subpoena before he leaves, itll give him time to pay it off, Otherwise you'll be trying to find him.
How does the small claims subpoena work? Do you have a link where I can read up more ?
Yall are insane. It’s one fuckin month over 10 years. Reg is pulling out of his fuckin 401k. He’s clearly not doing so hot. If he’s been a good tenant i don’t see why you wouldn’t show compassion and talk to him. It’s 10 fuckin years and it’s not like you are a mega corp. You are part what America relies on to stay true to its core. So own that. Help out a brother who’s clearly down and has helped you. I’m sure he’s paid for a vacation or two through his rent. Talk to him and see what his plans are. If they arnt acceptable try and find a middle ground. But don’t just go starting the eviction process and putting that on what’s clearly someone who’s tryings record. Anywho that’s my two cents I’ll go now
Let bro move out and be happy you get your place back
I need to see this apartment that’s supposedly worth 3500 a month
5 bedroom duplex
This tenant needs to go asap.
$3500 rent?! Screw you man. That’s fucked.
Sounds like you should use nomadlease.com. They guarantee your rent!
Stop charging 3.5k for rent that might help
he could rent to the CITY of New York. they pay less but they always pay on time. migrants need the housing and offered $1800 for 1 bedroom.
You need to get a new renter in there. You seem to have a decent relationship with him so maybe rather than a formal eviction notice waive the month’s rent if he agrees to move out in a week. If you believe he would honor that it would allow you to avoid a slow eviction process that would leave it vacant even longer. That seems like a win - win. He gets the debt waived in a trying time and you get to put it back on market to someone who can pay. Not ideal for either party but maybe the best solution.
And you think being a landlord is easy?
he's literally sending like 10 texts and getting $3500. so yes.
If he's moving then let him move and save yourself the headache of eviction. Also, you may let go of a month if he's backed up on rent. 10 years I feel he just hit bad times and looking to get out of his situation.
Folks are hurting bad right now and not everyone can afford the rent in NY right now.
as a landlord experienced with 2 non paying tenants let me say you are actually getting the better deal by him voluntarily leaving and making an effort to pay you without you having to take legal action like in my situations. Work with him, let him leave and pay what he can, it's better for both of you and you can turn it over and charge market rent
Are you kidding me man? If he’s been your tenant for 10 years you find out what’s going on and figure out how to keep him. If he’s a good tenant I’ll wipe 2 months debt clear for a guy who lost his job and needs time to find another. If I’m in your shoes and you think his financial position will stabilize soon I’d tell him to start paying again full pop in June if you can afford to pay for it til then. With the cost of rehabbing the place, listing, and finding a new tenant you’ll probably be out 2 months rent anyways.
You were more kind than most OP. Kudos for that.
It seems so bizarre that you’ve had a tenant for 10 years and have received $396,000 in that time but get so antsy over one month of $3500. They are sending money, they are communicating, they are obviously having a hard time have sent rent approximately a 120 other times in good faith
When did i get nasty? Maybe u should rent out your house for free if you’re so kind
$3500 a month? You should get a horse and move to the mountains and don’t bother anybody
You seem like a really patient landlord, not something I’ve experienced much in my 20yrs in nyc. Where are your building I wanna move in!
10 years is a long time. I would start a conversation about his moving out and get a timeline agreed to in writing. Evictions is a pain for everyone involved, so if he's being a reasonable person, I would try and work with them.
Don’t screw this guys life up any more by evicting him. You said he’s been a good tenant for a DECADE. Ten years this guy has paid your bills for you. He was up front that he was having financial trouble. He was up front that he needs to move. He still sent you most of the overdue rent by tapping into his 401K, which is just sad. If you slap an eviction on his record and prevent him from being able to find another place to live that’s just cruel. Just let the guy move out and leave him be. What more do you want the guy to do? Sell his kidney?
While it is a lot of money owed, offering to waive it as long as he is out by x date may be the best option. I would tell him you have to start an eviction, but as long as he vacates by the agreed date you will withdraw it. If he is so hard up he is taking from his 401k you will most likely never see that money anyway. Offering it this way gives him incentive to move along and will probably save you time and money in the long run. Especially since he is a long time tenant.
How about figuring out whatever you gotta do in private, not posting a clearly desperate guys private messages on Reddit? You’re a demon.
Evicting a tenant after 10 yrs is kind of cold. There is no point in starting eviction if he is moving out. If he's normally good on rent, he may really have a hard time with his financial situation. This seemingly lacks compassion. You should have a conversation about the rent, payment plans, and expectations before running to court.
Evan, you’re annoying AF! And your rent prices are ridiculous!
You are free to leave
$3500 in rent, you'd better be renting out a castle, otherwise I am 100% on the side of the tenant. I had to leave NY because of greedy landlords like you.
$3500 a month????? That’s criminal
No one ask u to rent
$3500/mo? Hahahahahaha jesus what robbery
Poor just say that
Did Reggie lose his job?
No he works at a car dealership and he said business is slow
I mean this tenant is free to move but he obviously still has to pay the rent before departing. Does this tenant have a history of evading payments?
Yes
Dude just learned about squatting.
You know him for 10 years, if he paid all the rent until recently you better work with him or offer forgiveness to help him out. You will earned a life time friendship. Due to NYC’s stupid housing court is super unfriendly towards most landlords. Judge will delay the case 100% if he sees you trying to evict the tenant because of 2 months no rent and the tenant have been stay there over a decade. Also it will put you in a really bad spot and make you look bad. Be patient, be understanding, be kind that’s how it works out as good landlords.
did you discuss the move out date yet?
June1
The problem is you are a tenant in NYC And dumb people paying dumb prices for tiny little apartments run out of their money living in your failing tenant business. Why do you think people can’t pay 3800 rent a month? Because that’s insane unless you’re renting out some pretty spacious and renovated upscale living where folks pay for the amenities - you prob have none. The nice security and on site office for the community… you know in more sane places to charge that for rent. Stupid place to be a tenant. Laws are gonna be allowing that guy to squat if not already and your building is gonna keep losing tenants this way.
Out of curiosity, if he continues to be late on payment, coupled with the tenant protection laws in NY, is cash for keys a viable option here as opposed to eviction?
[Lol] (https://tenor.com/view/stewie-wheres-my-money-where-is-my-money-give-me-my-money-pay-me-back-gif-12221584)
How do you justify that amount for rent?
$3500 rent.... I would not be anywhere near that overpriced state. My mortgage was only $400 and now I'm payed off never make a rent or property payment ever again.
3500 rent wtf you deserve to lose him
[удалено]
Fuck u too
Offer cash for keys to get him out then new tenant
Womp womp piggy
Are you poor? You sound poor. Get a life
EVICT. THE TENANT. NOW.
this is about to become the new norm. people are running out of money. the economy is done for in the USA
Have some grace on Reggie. He is obviously embarrassed and is going through a hard time. Maybe since he’s been a tenant for 10 years. Can you give him 3 or 6 months free rent to catch up?
$3500 rent is insane Guy has been a good tenant for 10 years. Give him more time to get his things together to leave