Is it worth suing old tenants for $3,000?
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Is it worth suing old tenants for $3,000?
I have 2 tenants that walked out owing me over $3000; not just for unpaid rent but also for utilities left unpaid which have defaulted back to me. The only information I have on them is their place of employment. I have no other contact info. Is it worth suing them or would it cost me more in legal fees to do so?
Asked on November 15, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Illinois
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you file your lawsuit against you former tenants in small claims court, you would only be out your time, the filing fee and service of process fee if you do not win the lawsuit. Potentially the former tenants may not even answer the complaint and you can win by default. In small claims court, lawyers do not appear.
If you win at trial, you have the task of then collecting on the judgment. From a business standpoint, if you feel that you were wronged by your former tenants and can prove liabilty and damages against them, then you should consider a small claims case against them.
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