--73.194.xx.xxx

--73.16.xxx.x

So this is the first bounced check or the second? Well, you have to wait ten days to file here in NJ but I would go ahead and do it. The agency may show up in court with a check but this could go on for months and NJ doesn't tolerate repeat late payments. Google Truth in Renting and read it. That's the booklet written by the Dept. of Community Affairs in Trenton. Some things in there that are pro landlord now. Must be some politicos bought some rentals. --69.141.xxx.xxx

I would find out more about what it is ... is this "assistance" a temporary situation or more long term? --209.217.xxx.xx

It's the 2nd month there. She told me that she will have a help of pastor and or Catholic charity. --73.194.xx.xxx

Give her an eviction notice and get the process started.If a church wants to pay you fine tell them to include late fees and bounce check fee otherwise tell them to help her move. --72.231.xxx.xxx

I prepared promise to pay rent or quit but she was not there. --73.194.xx.xxx

Private rental housing providers are not social agency which can lose over $100,000 per year short of the operating costs. Start the eviction ASAP as refuse to accept any more cheques as the cheques will only bounce. If you take the cheque to the bank then certify at the bank the cheque was issued if there is sufficient funds to cover the amount. Once certified or withdrawn then there is sufficient funds. A dollar amount short is all that required to bounce a cheque. The free rent period is only going to get worse. Consider joining a landlords association by going into Google as things may get worse where they will start to contact the building inspector then claim serious building code violations. In future cut them off at pass by running thorough credit checks on all adult applicants. Problem tenants getting evicted is a way of life that is a never ending story as long as they find a rental unit that does not run credit checks on all adult applicants. --72.142.xxx.xxx

You're a nice person, and now I want to hear the sound of dialing on your phone....that attorney you're calling....RIGHT NOW. --173.17.xx.xx

Once in awhile I hear this and advise them to use the copy we give at movein time, don't forget the late fees,I would post a pay/qui notice following your local tenant rules you printed before opening for business, keep it all legal. --76.188.xxx.xx

Anita,you say the problem is the check was written by the uncle,i hear stories from tenants as just blah blah lie blah blah another lie etc.The problem is the rent is not paid that is the only problem.Next week she will tell you the uncle died and I still wouldn't care.Do not make her problem your problem --72.231.xxx.xxx

I have had one instance where a tenant needed temporary help, got it and then was able to continue paying on her own. Two others went from temporary help (Catholic Charities and Social Services) to no help to eviction. I let it drag on way too long. I agree with everyone else here. Start eviction. You can always stop the proceeding- and will probably have to- if she comes up with the money somehow. Next month, repeat. --23.30.xx.xxx

Start the eviction process first thing tomorrow morning. This is one of the reasons why I don't take paper checks. You would be going to court today or next week, instead you have to start the process 22 days into the month. Charity cases are the worst. Nothing but excuses. --173.239.xxx.xxx

You are all right. I love people, want to help but that doesn't help me in this business and I've been suffering a lot because of it. I'll give her letters, try to get from her proof of what she's texting me and file eviction. I don't know only if I can use as rent additional 200 that is on the rent amount because they have not so good credit and I was advised by the tenant background check to take additional amount from them. She didn't want to pay a lump sum so I added to the lease as regular amount +200 --73.194.xx.xxx

Anita, you need the rent payments in order to stay in business.Don't talk to her any more,she's a chronic liar.I know it's going to cost you to hire an attorney,but that's the only way you're going to come out ahead.Listen to Sid.And get a lawyer this afternoon,don't wait.You're too nice to be a landlord.Unless you want to hear stories because you're going to write a book,like Frank McCourt...................charlie....................................but what would you call it..................................Anitas Ashes?................................... --174.199.xx.xxx

Yes, you are right. Thank you very much for your advises.I want to toughen up but I don't want to be to harsh neither. She still lies and looks for excuses one after another. I'm filing eviction like you told me to do so. --73.194.xx.xxx

I would stop communicating with the tenant as much as you are. You are too involved. Be involved but not too involved. It is a fine line that gets crazy quick as you are seeing. This is a business. You pay rent or the eviction process starts. Take charge, it's your home. Good luck. --173.239.xxx.x

Yes, I always give people chances etc. and a lot abuse it --107.77.xxx.x

Look at this experience as a blessing. She's a terrible tenant (bf, dog, smoking, damage) and by not paying rent she has made it so much easier to get rid of her! File the paperwork, get her out, and learn from your mistakes to do better in the future. --204.210.xxx.xxx

Time to cut your losses and move on. This tenant will only cost you more and more money. Especially if other tenants move because of this one. --64.222.xxx.xx