Renters trashed my house... can I ruin their credit??

Question

Hi! I have some renters who just picked up and left but not before trashing my house and leaving a bunch of their junk behind.. can I somehow ruin their credit? their deposit did not cover much of the expenses..

Answer 1

Take pictures of the place before you clean it, then keep your receipts from cleaning the place up.

Then file a claim against them in small claims. At that point you would either win by default or would win your expenses.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Take them to small claims court and get a civil judgement....This would be noted on their credit files.

Answer 3

The only way to do this would be to file a suit in small claims court for damages and any other funds due to you.  It is a simple process. (check your states limits on the amount you can sue for in your state).

They will be notified (served a summons) to appear.  If they fail to show up you win by default.  If they do show up and the judge awards you your damages, you win.

Now this will become public record and the court will inform the CRA's of the judgment.  It will show up on their credit report and lower their score.  It will remain on their credit report for 7 1/2 years or untill the judgment is satisfied.

Hope this answers your question.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:  The advice contained herein is for informational purposes only.  It is not to be construed as Legal Counsel nor Legal Advice.