Post-Judgment Debt Collections

“No Recovery—No Fee”

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Forcible Detainer

This legal order returns possession of the rental property to the landlord. It also serves as a basis of obtaining a judgment against the tenant for past due rent and damage to the rental property.

This order is irrefutable evidence of the past due rent owed to the landlord. However, any damages must be documented if the landlord wants us to attempt collection of rent and damages.

Obtaining a Judgment

Depending upon the amount and volume of the landlord’s claims, we will file a claim in Small Claims, District or Circuit Court for the amounts. Once we obtain judgment on the claim(s), we will pursue collection of the debt within the limits of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Collection of a judgment

Collecting a judgment from a delinquent tenant is a difficult task facing every landlord. Finding a debtor’s employment or assets, if any, requires a great deal of time and skill. It is a time intensive process and the results are uncertain.

The process becomes more complicated when the tenant moves out of the jurisdiction where the judgment was obtained.

Collection Fees

Our firm pursues collection of tenant’s debts based on a contingent fee basis of half (50%) of the net amount collected. Landlords pay the initial court costs and our court appearance entitles us to one-half (50%) of any recovery, less the court costs advanced by the landlord.

Initial Court Costs *

Initial court costs are approximately $100-$200 for filing fees, copies and the constable or sheriff fees needed to serve the defendants. Before deciding to invest the court costs, you should decide if these amounts are collectible. Your knowledge of your tenant and the likelihood of collection will assist you.

Credit Agencies

Our firm works closely with all major credit bureaus. Credit bureaus are an
important part of our collection effort. The debtor may have to “clear” our judgment from their credit rating to buy a vehicle or rent another property.

Wage Garnishments

When necessary, wage garnishments can be issued against the debtors. Bank accounts and property can be seized and sold. However, most delinquent tenants have few assets to attach.

*Client must pay Court Costs, Filing Fees, Constable or Sheriff Fees and Garnishment Fees