Tenant Files Bankruptcy
What happens if my tenant files bankruptcy?
Back Rent
If the tenant owed back rent and filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy, that debt is now likely discharged. This means that you will never be able to collect the rent that was owed to you at the time the tenant filed for bankruptcy. The tenant can voluntarily pay you, but you can not attempt to collect that past due rent while the automatic stay is in effect or after the debt is discharged. Such attempts would be either a stay or discharge violation.
Eviction
If you were in the process of evicting your tenant when they filed for bankruptcy, that eviction action is now likely stayed. This means that you will have to make a “lift stay” motion and have it granted by a Bankruptcy Court Judge in order to continue with the eviction in Landlord-Tenant court. However, under certain specific circumstances you will be allowed to continue with the eviction despite your tenant having filed for bankruptcy.
Long Island Landlord Tenant Attorney
As always, the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC is here to assist you. Call (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE consultation with a Landlord Tenant attorney!
Please visit our Bankruptcy category to learn more about filing chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy.
So, you have had it with your tenant and want them out. Evicting a tenant can be a tricky and lengthy process.
The following is very general overview of the eviction process*:
1. Determine the status of the person occupying the premises (i.e. tenant);
2.Determine what grounds you have to evict (i.e. breach of lease terms);
3. Determine the type of action you can bring (i.e. non-payment);
4. Determine what notice must legally be given to the occupant (i.e. 3 days);
5. Give the occupant the appropriate notice in the appropriate manner;
6. File the appropriate petition in the appropriate court;
7. Have the tenant appropriately “served”;
8. File proof of service with the court;
9. Wait for tenant to answer or default;
10. Go to court!
*The above is merely an overview of the eviction process. Additional or different steps may be required to evict a particular tenant.
If you are having trouble evicting a tenant we may be able to help you evict them so that you can re-let your apartment, sell your home, etc. We were recently successful in using the landlord-tenant court to get a tenant, that had not paid rent for over eight (8) months, out of a landlord’s apartment building in a matter of days.
Nassu County Eviction Attorney
As always, the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC is here to assist you. We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island.
We proudly assist residents of Long Island: Nassau county, Suffolk county, New York City: Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan with their landlord tenant matters.
Call (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE consultation with a Landlord Tenant attorney!
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