I learned my lesson. They loaded up and demanded their $1500.
Private property is private no more in Amerika.
One of my buddies had a house in another city (from a prior job). His disabled tenant of 6 years had always paid the rent until Covid. Despite no change to his lifestyle, my buddy had to pay the mortgage payment for two years because the tenant refused to pay because of “Covid”.
He could not evict him OR sell his house because he could not evict the guy.
This kind of unconstitutional nonsense needs to end.
“I once had a Tennant six months behind on the rent. I reached out to a lawyer friend. He told me to pay them $1500 to leave. I went ballistic with rage”
Despite the invective often hurled at lawyers, I have found (at least among the ones I know, which is several) that very, very often, they instantly come up with the correct solution to rotten problems that might have dogged you for months. At minimum, they (and I) generally understand that if a narly problem can be solved simply by paying money, it’s most often the cheapest way.
“pay them $1500 to get out”
I have did this a long time ago with a tenant. It is certainly not gratifying, but often tactics like this are the easiest and cheapest solution. If you want gratification, cut them (and the IRS) a 1099 for that $1500 and the back rent and let the revenuers have at them. Also, now you can deduct it as a business expense (but please consult with your accountant first!).