How do I find a former tenant who moved?

Skip trace through credit reporting agencies, social media, professional networks, forwarding addresses left with USPS, employer history from prior application. Process servers offer skip-trace services. The judgment is only worth what you can collect; locating the debtor is half the work.

What's the practical recovery rate?

Lower than most landlords expect. Tenants who lose a UD are often financially distressed. Wage garnishment produces steady but slow recovery if they have steady employment. Bank levy works if you find the account. Many UD judgments produce partial recovery or are written off.

Is it worth pursuing?

Depends on amount and debtor profile. Steady-employed debtors with garnishable wages — yes. Off-the-books employment, transient location, no assets — diminishing returns. Some landlords sell judgments to collection agencies at a discount.

10 years from judgment entry. Renewable for additional 10-year periods if renewed before expiration. Interest at 10% simple per year compounds the recoverable amount over time.

Can I sell the judgment?

Yes. Collection agencies buy judgments at a discount (often 5–15 cents on the dollar depending on debtor profile). Net recovery is lower but immediate and removes administrative burden.

Skip trace · Garnishment · Realistic recovery

Enforcing a UD money judgment. The practical version.

Locating the debtor is half the work. Garnishment, levy, lien, ORAP exam are the tools. Recovery rates are often lower than landlords expect. Sell the judgment if the math doesn't work.

TL;DR

Skip trace to locate. Wage garnishment is highest return for employed debtors. Bank levy works if account known. ORAP exam finds assets. 10-year judgment, renewable, 10% interest. Selling to a collection agency at 5–15 cents on the dollar is the no-effort path.

Money Judgment Collection
Eviction Cost

Common questions — judgment enforcement

Locate former tenant?

Skip trace, credit reports, social media, employer history, forwarding addresses.

Practical recovery?

Lower than expected. Wage garnishment for employed debtors works best.

Worth pursuing?

Depends on amount and debtor profile.

Time limit?

10 years, renewable. 10% simple interest.

Sell judgment?

Yes — collection agencies at 5–15 cents on dollar.