Managing rental property in Merced, CA, comes with rewards and challenges. One of the most difficult situations for any landlord is handling a tenant who won’t pay rent. At Chosen Property Management, we understand how stressful it is when rent payments stop and your rental property business is suddenly at risk. Our experienced team takes a structured, legally compliant, and compassionate approach to eviction to help landlords protect their investment and move forward as smoothly as possible.
In this blog, we’ll explain what happens when a tenant doesn’t pay, how Chosen Property Management handles evictions, and what landlords in Merced, CA, should know when facing late rent payments.
Late Rent Payments: When Rent Is Late and What It Means for Landlords
When a tenant doesn’t pay the rent by the due date specified in the lease agreement, it’s considered late rent. Most landlords include a rent grace period—typically 3 to 5 business days—to allow some flexibility for late rent payments. However, once the grace period passes and no rent check or payment is received, the rent officially becomes past due, and action is necessary.
At Chosen Property Management, our first step is to verify whether the tenant has made a partial payment, submitted a payment plan request, or contacted us to make payment arrangements. Open communication and a reasonable faith effort to pay rent can sometimes resolve issues before further legal action is needed.
The Eviction Notice: Starting the Eviction Process the Right Way
If late rent fees accumulate and the tenant still fails to pay the rent, we move forward by serving an eviction notice. In California, this usually means a 3-Day Pay or Quit Notice, which gives the tenant three business days to either pay the rent (including late fees) or vacate the rental property.
Chosen Property Management ensures that every eviction notice complies with local laws and the state’s laws to avoid delays or complications in the eviction process. Serving an eviction notice by the lease or rental agreement is a critical legal step that protects landlords’ rights should eviction proceedings be necessary.
Eviction Proceedings: What Happens If the Tenant Doesn't Pay Rent After the Notice?
Suppose the tenant fails to pay rent or vacate the rental property within the time frame specified in the pay or quit notice. In that case, Chosen Property Management initiates eviction proceedings by filing an unlawful detainer case in Merced County court. This formal court case allows the landlord to legally evict a tenant and recover possession of the rental unit.
Our team handles all necessary eviction papers, ensuring documents are properly served and filed. We also attend court hearings, manage court costs, and cover legal fees when required. The tenant has a right to file a tenant’s response, and the court will set a court date to hear the eviction case.
The Court Case and Default Judgement: How Legal Action Unfolds
In the court case, the landlord (represented by Chosen Property Management) and the tenant present their sides. If the tenant fails to appear or does not have a valid defense, the judge may issue a default judgment in favor of the landlord. This judgment legally permits us to request a writ of possession, allowing law enforcement to remove the tenant and their personal belongings from the rental property.
Suppose the tenant does appear and the case goes to trial. In that case, our reliable property manager ensures all documentation, including the lease agreement, rental agreement, payment arrangements, and records of delinquent payments, are presented to support the landlord's case.
Landlord Insurance and Rent Guarantee Options: Minimizing Risk
At Chosen Property Management, we recommend that landlords consider landlord insurance and rent guarantee insurance to protect against unpaid rent, property damage, and legal eviction costs. These policies can help cover late rent fees, legal fees, and even lost rent during vacancy periods while searching for a new tenant.
While insurance does not prevent evictions, it can reduce the financial burden when the tenant stops paying or damages the property.
How Chosen Property Management Supports Landlords During Evictions
Most landlords don’t want to evict a tenant immediately or damage a good relationship with their renters. Our property manager team works to balance compassion with firmness by:
Offering payment plans and partial payment arrangements when possible.
Communicating proactively with tenants to resolve delinquent payments quickly.
Managing all legal paperwork and eviction proceedings in compliance with local laws.
Guiding landlords through the eviction process to minimize legal action and disruptions.
Coordinating with law enforcement, courts, and locksmiths during the writ of possession stage.
Our streamlined process protects landlords' accounts and rental income while minimizing the emotional and financial strain on property owners.
Things to Remember About Evictions in Merced, CA
Evictions are never easy, but having a reliable property manager like Chosen Property Management by your side can make all the difference. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Always follow the lease or rental agreement terms regarding late rent and grace periods.
Keep thorough records of rent payments, late fees, and communications.
Serve a proper eviction notice and file for unlawful detainer if necessary.
Stay compliant with state and local laws to avoid delays or dismissal of the case.
Consider landlord insurance and rent guarantee insurance to protect your investment.
How Chosen Property Management Helps You Move Forward
Handling late and unpaid rent payments can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Chosen Property Management’s expert team in Merced, CA, takes care of every step — from collecting rent and serving notices to managing eviction proceedings and securing a new tenant.
With our guidance and resources, landlords can safeguard their rental property business and maintain peace of mind even when tenants default on their obligations. For more information about our eviction services and property management solutions, contact us today.
