Being a landlord isn’t easy. Many homeowners managing their own properties get a bad rap once they are labeled ‘landlords,’ but owning and managing a home—as well as working to keep tenants happy—can be very hard work. To keep a good relationship with a renter, the owner must make sure that all the bills from their end are paid on time, often to include numerous other payments aside from the mortgage and insurance. Repairs must be made, whether issues arise with appliances, heating and cooling, or plumbing, electrical, or far more. The list of things a landlord is responsible is long, to say the least. All that is asked for in return is that the tenant pays their rent on time, keeps the home in order, and abides by the terms of the lease or other agreement.
You may have been very happy with the individual or family renting your home, and they may have been doing so for years with little to no issue; therefore, it was probably a shock not only to see they were late on the rent—but also to find that your tenants have filed for bankruptcy. Not only that, they are currently protected under the automatic stay, an injunction which goes into effect immediately after a debtor files for bankruptcy. Almost all creditors are forced to cease collections activity, and this includes mortgage companies, car lenders, and secured creditors, along with credit-card companies and all other unsecured creditors—which generally include landlords. If you are not receiving your rent and the tenant seems to show no signs of moving, you may be getting concerned, and this is the time to consult with an attorney experienced in landlord-tenant law.
If the tenant has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the process takes three to six months usually before their debts are discharged. As a creditor, any back rent owed to you is considered, along with all the other creditors, and may be paid back out of the renter’s bankruptcy estate. And although the tenant is covered by the automatic stay during that time, your attorney may want to file a motion to have the automatic stay lifted so you can proceed with an eviction. If the tenant has voiced the hope to keep the lease and the bankruptcy trustee has agreed, you as the landlord have the right to ask for proof that the tenant really can afford the rental. You may want to attend their meeting of creditors also, to have your voice heard if there is back rent still owed. If the tenant has filed for Chapter 13, you can request that the back rent be given higher priority in the debtor’s repayment plan. You should also be able to evict the tenant if they do not keep up with their rent during the three- to five-year period expected in Chapter 13.
It may seem like there is a lot to learn about bankruptcy should this issue arise, but as a landlord you do have rights—and with our help, we can help you fight for them! Contact the law office of Shane Coons now, so we can review your case and help you move forward. Call now at 949-333-0900 or email us at Shane.Coons@seclawoffices.com.