questioned the tenant, she accused the landlord of trespassing and even claimed she’d never seen him before. Unfortunately, the police sided with the tenant, and the landlord literally watched as the tenant left with his washing machine. This story isn’t meant to make you averse to becoming a rental property owner, but rather to impress upon you the importance of laying down the law and enforcing your lease. Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, you might have to end up evicting tenants. This is just one of the risks you take when you rent out property. It’s also one of the most difficult aspects of the job of a landlord, and the eviction process can escalate quickly to the point of non-compliance, with tenants trashing your place in anger and even outright refusing to move out. Many property owners — especially newbies — have a difficult time with the idea of eviction, either because they don’t know how or because they just don’t want to (or both). Maybe you’re not naturally a confrontational or authoritative person. Maybe you like giving people second or third chances. The issue, though, is that “problem tenants” — tenants who don’t pay or who destroy your property — are not only costing you, but also stealing from you! You have to think of it this way if you’re going to succeed in this business: They’re stealing money from your family, from your retirement fund, from your bank account. Wherever that money’s going to come from, they’re technically stealing money from you. Still believe in second chances? Let’s say your monthly rent is $2,000 and your tenant isn’t paying you, whether on time, in full, or at all. Would you allow that tenant access to your bank account? To log in every single month, and just take $2,000? I’ll bet you the answer is a strong “No way!”
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