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1. Confirm the Missed Payment
Before jumping to conclusions, double-check your records. Maybe your tenant paid by check and it's delayed, or perhaps there's a glitch in your payment portal. Cross-reference your lease agreement with payment receipts, bank deposits, and communication logs.
If the payment is definitely late:
- Review the lease for late fee terms
- Note the grace period (if any)
- Document the exact date of non-payment
Always keep detailed records. These will be essential if legal action becomes necessary.
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2. Communicate Professionally and Promptl
Send a formal reminder within 24-48 hours of the missed payment. Avoid emotionally charged language. This isn’t personal. It’s business.
Your message should include:
- A reference to the missed rent
- The total amount due including late fees
- The due date per the lease
- Instructions for immediate payment
Sometimes a simple nudge is all it takes. Life happens, people forget. But if your message is ignored, it’s time to move to the next ste
3. Serve a Notice to Pay or Vacate (3-Day Notice in Texas)
Under Texas law, landlords can issue a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate if the tenant fails to pay rent. This notice is typically required before beginning the eviction process.
Key Elements to Include:
- Tenant name and address
- Amount owed
- A clear statement: pay within 3 days or vacate
- Date of notice
- Landlord signature and contact info
Deliver this notice in person, by mail, or visibly posted on the door. Document the delivery method.
4. File for Eviction (If Necessary)
If the tenant neither pays nor vacates, your next move is to file an eviction lawsuit (called a forcible detainer suit) in McAllen Justice Court.
Steps:
- Gather documentation (lease, payment history, notices)
- File at the correct precinct court
- Pay the filing fee (around $100)
- Wait for your court date (usually within 1-2 weeks)
The court will notify your tenant and set a hearing. If you win, the tenant will have a short window to move out before a constable enforces the eviction.
5. Protect the Property in the Meantime
While going through this process, it's vital to protect your investment.
- Drive by the property weekly (don’t enter without notice)
- Monitor utilities (unpaid bills may signal abandonment)
- Communicate in writing only
- Avoid threats, lockouts, or harassment (these are illegal in Texas)
If your tenant vacates but leaves belongings, Texas law requires you to follow specific storage and notice guidelines. Don’t toss items prematurely.
Some landlords also find themselves stuck in complicated arrangements, like trying to figure out how to get out of an HOA home in McAllen without the hassle while already dealing with rent issues.
6. Re-Evaluate the Rental or Sell the Property
Once the tenant is out, you have two choices: re-rent or sell.
If Re-Renting:
- Inspect and repair any damage
- Update your screening process
- Consider collecting a larger deposit or rent guarantee
If Selling:
If you're tired of dealing with problematic tenants or don’t want to rehab the home, selling may be your best bet.
You can sell it:
- As-is, with or without tenants
- Direct to a local cash buyer like TWB House Buyers
- Without paying agent fees or making repairs
For many McAllen landlords, selling directly to a cash investor means no more headaches, fast closing, and a guaranteed offer regardless of the property's condition.
7. Understand Your Rights (And Theirs)
The Texas Property Code is very clear about landlord-tenant rights. Educate yourself or consult a local real estate attorney to avoid costly legal missteps.
Key Points:
- You cannot lock tenants out without a court order
- You must follow the eviction process precisely
- You are allowed to deduct unpaid rent and damages from the deposit
Missteps here can lead to lawsuits or delays. Combine that with rising property taxes, and many landlords are asking, “Should I sell my house in McAllen before property taxes go up again?”
8. Learn from the Experience
Every setback is a chance to improve your systems.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Did I screen this tenant thoroughly?
- Did I document all lease violations?
- Is my lease agreement detailed and enforceable?
- Should I switch to professional property management?
Sometimes the issue isn’t the tenant, it’s the market. If you’ve been wondering, “Why isn’t my house selling in McAllen and what can I do about it?”, now is the time to reassess your overall strategy.
9. Know When to Walk Away
Some properties aren’t worth the hassle. If your McAllen rental is constantly draining your time, money, and energy, you’re not stuck.
You can:
- Sell to a McAllen cash home buyer
- Skip repairs, showings, and agent commissions
- Walk away from the stress for good
Whether the property is vacant or still has problem tenants, local investors buy houses in any condition. You can close in days, not months even on your inherited property.
Get Your Free Cash Offer Now!
Fill out this form to get your no-obligation all cash offer started!
Get Your Free Offer TODAY!
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Sell a McAllen Rental Property with Tenant Issues Fast
Being a landlord in McAllen can be rewarding. But only when the property is producing cash flow, not causing legal chaos.
When tenants stop paying rent, act quickly, follow the law, and don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. Whether you choose to file for eviction or sell the house as-is for cash, remember, you have options.
Sell your house fast in McAllen and get your fair cash offer today. No fees, no repairs, no hassle.