(Landlord) Am I going too far?
Landlord here. I'll get some hate I'm sure just because of that. But I want to share the story from this side.
First, I am not in the eviction business. I am in the 'giving hard working Chicagoans a decent place to live' business. I bought a four unit multi family back in November, and I occupy the basement unit. The basement isn't legal, but, as the owner, I'm not in a rush to tell on myself.
My tenants have been paying rent to the prior landlord since 2021 according to their leases. My intention was never to raise the rent when I acquired the property, nor to give any end of lease notices. Two of my tenants are great, paying on time, personable, generally awesome people. One has consistently been late. Also personable, but never really acknowledged that rent was erratic. After about the third late month, in March, I decided it was time to give a 120 day. I don't believe a 5 day benefits anyone. It's expensive, and it puts undue pressure on good people in an already unbearable situation.
They have not taken this well. Rent has not come since, and my fear is that, at the end of July, they won't leave.
My plan is to offer somewhat of a cash for keys, basically not going after them for rent, as long as they agree to leave. If, however, they are here on August 1st, the plan is to start eviction proceedings, go after all back rent, legal fees, and wear and tear.
As tenants, would you consider this to be too harsh? I hate being in this position. What is acceptable and fair?