What to do when Tenant is Absconding?

Sunil Pandit, a Delhi-based doctor, rented his 2BHK apartment in Noida Sector 78 to a working professional. All was going fine and he was receiving the rent on time. However, one fine day after nine months the tenant absconded. Sunil Pandit got to know about this development when he visited the apartment to collect the rent. When inquired with the neighbourers, he got to know the man was not seen for about 10 days now. He was last seen leaving with all his belongings.

Sunil Pandit was in a difficult situation.

So what should a landlord do to keep up to date with their tenants if they are staying in a remote location?

• Has your tenant skipped the rent and won't take your calls? This could be one of the best ways to tell if your tenant has run away. First, call the emergency numbers provided by the tenant. This includes your family's phone number or your office contact.
• Call the neighbors first. Inquire with them whether the tenant has changed with their belongings or how long it has been since you last saw your tenant.
• Call the utility office to see if they are paying bills or using utilities. Ask about the meter readings.
• If there is no information yet, visit the apartment. Use the duplicate keys and check for the furniture or other materials that the tenant has brought. is there or not.

These factors together would indicate that the Tenant have run away from the property.

What next?

In case you're a property owner whose tenant has absconded, here is what you'll do to make sure you are not duped:

• Issue a notice of termination against the tenant and ask for the reason for the abandonment of the apartment.
• Obtain your office address or permanent address to send the message.
• If there is no response, file an eviction action against the tenant for failure to pay the rent and for leaving the apartment without notice.
• If the tenant does not appear in court during the hearing, the court will decide in his favor.

What to do with property where the tenant stayed?

In contrast to Sunil Pandit's case, where the tenant took his belongings with him, there are times when the tenant's material objects are still in the premises. If so, make sure you don't get rid of these things, don't try to sell them, give them away to someone else, or the renter could sue you for selling his belongings.

Also, don't lock the property with your own lock. If you want to sell the tenant's belongings inside your property to make up for the loss, the court will have to approve it. Once the court approves it, you can sell the tenant's unclaimed property.

Also Read: Why a Police Screening of Tenants is Necessary and How it is Carried Out?