How to get rent due from tenant who has vacated the house?

A few weeks ago, one of my clients from Bangalore asked me how to collect past due rent after eviction. I told him you must get a judgement for the amount owed or negotiate with them or send a formal notice or you can even claim from a small claims court. I have shared more methods which I mentioned to my clients.

How to Collect Unpaid Rent After Tenant Moves Out?

Recovering rent dues from a tenant who has vacated a property in India involves several legal steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

• Review the rental agreement to understand the terms regarding rent payment, notice periods, and consequences for non-payment.

• If possible, attempt to negotiate with the former tenant to settle the dues amicably. This can include setting up a payment plan if they are facing financial difficulties.

• Maintain records of the unpaid rent, including the amount due, the period for which it is owed, and any communications with the tenant regarding payment.

• Draft a formal notice demanding payment of the outstanding rent. Include:

  • The total amount due

  • The period for which rent is owed

  • A request for immediate payment

• If the tenant does not respond or refuses to pay, you may file a civil suit for recovery of dues in the local civil court.

• If the amount owed is below a certain threshold (which varies by state), you may file a claim in the Small Claims Court for a quicker resolution.

• If the tenant left a security deposit, you may use it to offset the unpaid rent. However, ensure you follow the legal process to claim this amount.

• If you win the case, the court may issue a judgement in your favour, and you can enforce it to recover the dues.

• If the former tenant still refuses to pay after a court order, you may execute the judgement. This could involve:

  • Garnishing wages

  • Freezing bank accounts

  • Other enforcement measures as permitted by the court.

It’s advisable to consult with a lawyer specialising in property or tenancy law to guide you through the legal process and help with drafting documents and representing you in court. I hope you understand how to collect past due rent after eviction.

1. Confirm Tenant Vacancy:
   • First, verify that the tenant has indeed left the property. Look for signs such as an empty house, returned keys, or communication indicating their departure.
2. Review the Rental Agreement:
   • Check the lease agreement you had with the tenant. It may contain specific provisions related to collecting unpaid rent.
   • Most leases outline procedures for rent collection, late fees, and any penalties for non-payment.
3. Send a Certified Letter:
   • Send a certified letter to the tenant’s last known address. In the letter:
     • Clearly state the outstanding rent amount.
     • Request payment within a specified timeframe.
     • Mention the consequences if payment is not made promptly.
4. File a Small Claim in Court:
   • If the tenant does not respond to your letters or fails to pay the rent owed, consider filing a small claim in court.
   • Small claims court provides a legal avenue to recover unpaid rent.
   • Gather evidence, such as lease agreements, communication records, and proof of unpaid rent, to support your case.