JUDGES OFTEN REQUEST PROOF THAT THE LANDLORD ATTEMPTED RESOLUTION IN GOOD FAITH.
MISTAKE #2 NOT DOCUMENTING EVERYTHING
RELYING ON VERBAL AGREEMENTS OR INFORMAL CONVERSATIONS.
Why it’s a problem
If the situation escalates to eviction or court, lack of documentation hurts your case. Some landlords rely on memory or quick conversations to manage delinquency issues. This is one of the costliest mistakes because courts require clear documentation of every step taken. A landlord who cannot produce a written record of communication, notices served, or payment attempts risks dismissal of the case. For instance, a tenant may claim the landlord verbally agreed to accept late payments without penalty. Without documentation proving otherwise, the court may side with the tenant. A little known pitfall is failing to log each attempted communication, even if the tenant does not respond. Silence from the tenant still contributes to your timeline, and judges often request proof that the landlord attempted resolution in good faith. • Keep a written log of communications, dates, notices, payment attempts, and any promises made. • Store copies of the lease, payment ledger, and notice receipts. DO INSTEAD
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