If you are a landlord and former tenants owe you money, what steps should you take? Consulting a lawyer may not be at the top of the list, but it’s a good idea to do it as quickly as possible. Wise counsel from an attorney increases the chances of obtaining your money. The following legal actions may help retrieve that missing cash you deserve.

Retaining the Security Deposit

If the tenant moved out without paying rent, landlords can keep the security deposit. These funds help offset the tenant’s debt and the costs to repair any damage the tenant inflicted on the property. When taking this approach, landlords should follow the requirements in the lease agreement and state law.

Suing in Small Claims Court

In Ohio, landlords often file suits in small claims court to recover debts from former tenants. The recovery limit for this court is $6,000 or less, not including costs and interest. Small claims proceedings provide a quick way of handling the situation and obtaining a judgment for the debt. This court is designed for individuals to use without hiring a lawyer.

Collecting on a Judgment

A landlord with a money judgment against a former tenant can file a garnishment. One type, a wage garnishment, attaches to up to 25% of the debtor’s wages. The other is a non-wage garnishment, which attaches to funds such as a checking or savings account. With help from a lawyer, a landlord might recover all of the money owed.    

Landlords often need help collecting money owed by former tenants. If you face such a situation, seek counsel from a skilled lawyer in Chillicothe, OH, Rutherford Law Office. With more than 20 years of experience in business law, attorneys Rutherford and Charles stand on their record of successful outcomes for their clients. Take the frustration out of attempts to recover stale debts. Visit their website for more about how one of their dynamic lawyers can help you. Call (740) 775-7434 to schedule a consultation and get the dedicated professional service you need.