Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Maryland
Bad checks
I had a tenant that gave me bad checks. She has since left the property. How can I recover the money or rent owned. I have all the bad checks she has written.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Bad checks
There is a criminal law provision for passing bad checks, but that would be a action by the state against the check passer, and would not necessarily get you your money back. At this stage it sounds like you need to file a suit for the money due, and assuming you win, may have to do vigorous collection to actually get your money. A suit under $2,500 can be filed in small claims court (District Court for your County). You will need a good address of the defendant in order to get service over him or her.
Re: Bad checks
An action on the checks is what is needed to address the matter most expediently in Court. Once a judgment
is rendered, you will need to enforce it. Enforcement may require further legal action. An alternate course of
action is to demand payment. Often a demand carries more impact if
made through an attorney with appropriate legal language.
Other related matters exist. These relate to your business practice and legal rights under the lease. An attorney's
review of these matters may minimize these losses in the future.
I am available to address the instant matter for a percentage of the amount recovered. I am also available to review your
business practice(s) and lease and provide for needed improvements.
Contact me to discuss if you desire assistance.
G. Joseph Holthaus III, Attorney
(410) 799-9002