Outta Here! Another Druggie Hits the Street!

Eleven months ago we accepted a new Section 8 tenant. Like many of our low-income tenants, this was a young, single mother with a baby. She had no criminal history and had not been previously evicted. Within a few months of moving-in, things began to go downhill. The tenant started smoking marijuana; having very loud parties late at night; and disturbing the other tenants. I had a talk with the tenant and told her that her behavior could not continue. She promised to behave.

Within a month, the police were at the apartment and the tenant was arrested for fighting. I had another talk with the tenant and told her that she would be evicted if there were ANY more incidents. At about this time, I also discovered that the tenant's water had been shut off for non-payment. I informed the tenant that her lease required that the utilities be connected at all times and that this situation must be corrected or she would be evicted.

Unfortunately, this was not the last incident. About a month later, I received a call from one of the other tenants. There had been a loud fight and someone had been thrown down the stairs. Several police cruisers and two ambulances were at the building. Several people were arrested, including my wayward tenant.

That was it. The tenant had to go. I contacted the Section 8 office and requested that the tenant's Section 8 be terminated for cause. Without her Section 8 subsidy, I knew that she wouldn't be able to pay the rent and I'd be able to quickly evict her. Section 8 agreed and terminated her Section 8 payments based on the criminal activity; the disturbance of the other tenants; and the unsanitary condition caused by her water being shut off. This all happened in early December. During the month of December, there were several other incidents involving this tenant and the police.

As predicted, the tenant did not pay the January rent and I immediately filed for eviction. Unfortunately, the courts were backed up due to the recent holidays and I did not get a court date until February 6th. The problems continued and the tenant was arrested again in February. Apparently, the tenant was now doing heroin and her child had been removed by Children's Services. On one occasion, when the police came to the apartment, one of the druggies in her apartment jumped through a back window in an effort to avoid arrest!

February 6th finally arrived and we had our date in court. Needless to say, the tenant was evicted for non-payment of rent. The setout was set for today, Valentines Day! So, at 10 am this morning, I met the court officer at the apartment. All of her belongings were taken to the dump and we changed the locks. The apartment was a mess and had two broken windows. I will have a lot of painting and cleaning to do over the next couple of days, but I am very happy that the tenant is out! I hope that she took her coat - it is 19 degrees today and everything is covered with ice! Good Riddance!

Welcome to the real world of landlording!