When a tenant does not pay rent, it can put a landlord in a very difficult position. Rent is often the main source of income that keeps a rental property running. When months go by without payment, landlords may face mortgage issues, repair delays, or even financial loss. Many landlords try to work things out with their tenants first, but sometimes there is no choice but to go to court. If the court awards a judgment in your favor, that means you legally proved the tenant owed you money. But winning the judgment is only the first step. Actually collecting it is another challenge on its own.
Judgment collection is the process of turning your court judgment into real payment. Many people think once the judge rules in their favor, the tenant will automatically pay. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. Most tenants who owe large amounts of unpaid rent do not pay voluntarily. That is why understanding the judgment collection process is so important for landlords. With the right tools and the right legal help, you can collect what you are owed.
Why Tenants Don’t Pay After a Judgment
There are many reasons why tenants still refuse to pay, even after a judge orders them to. Some may not have the money. Others may try to ignore the judgment, hoping the landlord will give up. A few may even try to hide their assets, like switching bank accounts or being paid in cash at work. This can feel frustrating and unfair, especially when you already went through the trouble of taking them to court.
This is where experienced judgment collection attorneys can make a big difference. A firm like Warner & Scheuerman can take the lead in enforcing your judgment by using the tools the law gives creditors. As the judgment creditor, you have the right to use legal methods to collect the unpaid rent.
Tools Landlords Can Use to Collect a Judgment
There are several legal methods landlords can use once they win a judgment. These tools can help you reach the tenant’s income, bank accounts, or property.
1. Wage Garnishment
If your former tenant has a job, you may be able to garnish their wages. This means a small portion of their paycheck is taken and sent to you until the debt is paid. Wage garnishment is one of the most common and effective ways to collect a judgment.
2. Bank Levies
A bank levy allows you to take funds directly from the tenant’s bank account. If they have savings or regular deposits, this tool can help you collect faster. It is often used when the tenant is working but refusing to pay voluntarily.
3. Property Liens
If the tenant owns real estate or other valuable property, a lien can be placed on it. This lien will stay attached until the debt is paid. If the property is sold, your lien must be paid off before the sale can be completed.
4. Asset Investigation
Some tenants try to move money around or hide assets. With post-judgment discovery, you can legally require them to provide information about their job, bank accounts, and property. If they refuse, the court can force compliance.
Why Landlords Should Act Quickly
Judgments do not last forever. Every state has a time limit for how long a judgment can be enforced. In many states, this is anywhere from 5 to 20 years, and judgments can often be renewed. Still, delaying can make it harder to collect. Tenants can move, change jobs, or hide assets. The sooner you begin the collection process, the higher your chances of recovering the money.
How a Judgment Collection Attorney Helps
Collecting a judgment can be stressful and confusing for landlords, especially if you have never done it before. A law firm that focuses on creditor rights understands the process, the tools, and the legal strategies needed to get results. Warner & Scheuerman can handle everything from tracking down assets to filing the proper paperwork in court. Their goal is to ensure landlords are not left paying for a tenant’s failure to meet their obligations.
Final Thoughts
Winning a judgment for unpaid rent is a big victory, but it is not the final step. Landlords need to understand how judgment collection works so they can actually recover what they are owed. With the right legal tools—like wage garnishment, bank levies, and liens—you can turn a court order into real payment. And with experienced legal support on your side, the process becomes much easier.
If you are a landlord struggling to collect unpaid rent after a court judgment, help is available. A knowledgeable creditor-side law firm can guide you through the process and fight to get your money back.