What would you do?

[Anthonyacat]

I am wondering whether this is a cultural thing (is your tenant perhaps an islander or Maori?). Where a person has high personal ethics, they may feel shame at having missed that payment, and a LOT of personal embarrassment; hence the running away and avoidance. Other cultures do deal and react to shame in very different ways. Just a thought.

Otherwise, perhaps its fear that the knock on the door is going to be about an eviction?

It does seem that the person is trying to make up the shortfall albeit rather slowly! A tricky one...

Yes, she is. You may be right about the cultural differences.

In any case, this has a good resolution for now. Via family ties we have made contact, explained the situation, and have a proposed resolution. It's now a matter of educating her on the communication we require if anything happens like this in future, as she is not getting a second chance if she disappears again.

Will update the thread in future if this ends up going south, but I do have a positive feeling about it for now.

[Anthonyacat]

Update! Went south.

Minor rent slip up in early August, paid as soon as texted. Didn't pay rent at all on 14th, and no communication again.

Eviction proceeding as quickly as possible, with no further chances or concessions.

[Bobsyouruncle]

Nearly always the way dude. Especially in these lower socio economic areas. Sad but all part of the business. Our PM in Rotorua probably averages an eviction every 60 days with us :-(

[Anthonyacat]

Yep. I knew it was likely, but have trouble assuming the worst of humanity.

I'll be taking a harder line in future, but trying to still give the benefit of the doubt where possible.

[Learning]

What is "as quickly as possible" in this scenario? Is it back to day one of a 90 day notice?

[Bobsyouruncle]

I don't think it's the worst I think it's just a damaged society. I see it on steroids here in Fiji. People increasingly have no regard for themselves let alone others. Victim mentality is now front and centre in most western cultures.

[Perry]

Victim mentality is now front and centre in most western cultures.

Hard to disagree with that, apart from saying it's been going on for quite a while, now. Also adding that whenever something goes wrong, it's always somebody else's fault.

[Bobsyouruncle]

It's subjective Perry but I think it's happened in the last 20 years. I don't recall it being an issue when I was in my twenties. I blame Helen actually but that may be unfair. It is a global phenomenon now.

[PTcruza]

My 2 cents:

What would I do?

Think, and look closely at that PM...

My experience, Good PM's find good tenants. Or at least, they either earn their trust or work out that they are not good tenants.

From what you say, yours doesn't seem to be quite onto things somehow. I would think s/he would have developed enough of a relationship with his/her tenant to be more in the loop.

As they say, it takes Two to Tango. You're paying good money, after all.

[Anthonyacat]

What is "as quickly as possible" in this scenario? Is it back to day one of a 90 day notice?

Initially, yes, as she cleverly behaved long enough for the bailiff order to expire. But once she is more than 21 days behind we can expedite it through the TT.

[mrsym0r]

Do you live in Fiji bob?