Tenant moved from bosses office, how to collect past due rent and keys

[kat30s]

California

My boss is a chiropractor who rented some of his rooms to another chiropractor, who moved out without notice, and owes half a months rent, as well as has not returned keys to the building which houses other offices, as well as to the office itself. He is too much of a nice guy, and went on good faith, and has no written contract with this other doctor. I know he does not want to pursue a civil suit, but will if forced to. Is there anything he can say or do that could get this other Dr. to pay up and return the keys? Or, are we looking at a civil suit? We work closely with a collection agency....since he has called and left her numerous messages with no response, could we just send her to collections for the past due amount, and change the locks? I know for patient past due balances, we send out 3 demand letters over a 90 day period, and with no response we send them to collections. Thanks in advance.

 

[HomeGuru]

California

My boss is a chiropractor who rented some of his rooms to another chiropractor, who moved out without notice, and owes half a months rent, as well as has not returned keys to the building which houses other offices, as well as to the office itself. He is too much of a nice guy, and went on good faith, and has no written contract with this other doctor. I know he does not want to pursue a civil suit, but will if forced to. Is there anything he can say or do that could get this other Dr. to pay up and return the keys?
**A: how about "pay up and return the keys or I'll crack your back"
********

Or, are we looking at a civil suit?

**A: yes.
******
We work closely with a collection agency....since he has called and left her numerous messages with no response, could we just send her to collections for the past due amount, and change the locks?

**A: yes, if your boss declares abandonment.
******
I know for patient past due balances, we send out 3 demand letters over a 90 day period, and with no response we send them to collections. Thanks in advance.

**A: real estate collections for real property is different. You do not have to send out any demand letters and can go right to filing a civil complaint.

 

[kat30s]

Thanks again HomeGuru for your help! Happy first day of Spring!

 

[HomeGuru]

You're welcome and I didn't realize we were in spring. The war has complicated even my perception of the seasons.

 

[kat30s]

Believe me - I understand - my husband is in the Air National Guard, called up after 9/11, but thankfully for us right now on active standby only, and most likely won't have to leave again....I find by holding on to little pieces of the here and now, like the first day of Spring, enjoying every moment for what it is....it keeps me from going crazy! Anyway - thanks again, and keep posting your great, humorous, direct informative and straightforward answers here! I truly appreciate it!