Enforcing Court Judgments: What Landlords Should Know

Obtaining a court judgment is often viewed as the final step in resolving a landlord-tenant dispute—but in reality, it is only the beginning. While a judgment legally establishes that money is owed, it does not automatically result in payment. Enforcement is a separate process that requires time, documentation, and follow-through.  This overview explains the general judgment enforcement process so landlords understand what typically comes next after a court ruling. 

Understanding Court Judgments 

A court judgment is a formal decision issued by a judge that determines the rights and obligations of the parties involved. In landlord-tenant matters, judgments most commonly relate to unpaid rent, damages, or possession of the property. 

Judgments generally fall into two categories: 

• Monetary Judgments – Require the tenant to pay a specific amount of money 

• Possession Judgments – Grant the landlord the right to regain possession of the property 

  
  

Each type of judgment involves different enforcement considerations. 

General Enforcement Options for Monetary Judgments 

Once a monetary judgment has been entered, landlords may have several enforcement tools available, depending on jurisdiction and circumstances. Common enforcement methods include: 

Locating Debtor Information 

Before enforcement can begin, creditors often need information about the debtor’s income, bank accounts, or assets. This information may be obtained through court-approved procedures. 

Wage Garnishment 

In some cases, a portion of the debtor’s wages may be withheld by their employer and applied toward the judgment balance, subject to legal limits and exemptions. 

Bank Levies 

Funds held in a debtor’s bank account may be subject to levy once proper procedures are followed and notices are issued. 

Each option requires specific filings and compliance with applicable laws. 

 

General Enforcement of Possession Judgments 

If the judgment grants possession of the property, enforcement typically involves additional court-issued documents authorizing removal of the tenant. Law enforcement agencies generally oversee this process to ensure it is conducted legally and safely. 

Landlords should be prepared to secure the property immediately once possession is restored. 

Common Challenges in Judgment Enforcement 

Judgment enforcement is not always straightforward. Common issues include: 

• Debtors who ignore court orders 

• Difficulty locating income or assets 

• Delays caused by incomplete paperwork 

• Legal restrictions that limit enforcement options 

  
  

These challenges often cause judgments to remain unpaid despite being legally valid. 

Best Practices for Landlords 

While enforcement procedures vary by jurisdiction, landlords are generally encouraged to: 

• Maintain organized records and court documents 

• Monitor judgment deadlines and expiration dates 

• Understand that enforcement takes time and persistence 

  
  

After You Receive a Judgment 

Winning in court confirms that a debt is owed—but successful recovery often depends on what happens next. Judgment enforcement involves strategy, compliance, and follow-through that many landlords do not have time to manage on their own. 

After obtaining a judgment, landlords may choose to work with a judgment recovery professional to explore lawful enforcement options and pursue collection efficiently. 

If you’ve already received a court judgment and are unsure how to proceed, contact us to discuss next to get your money back. 

Enforcing a court judgment may feel overwhelming, but it is not impossible—and it begins with taking the crucial first step of securing the judgment itself. A judgment legally establishes the debt and preserves your right to pursue recovery using lawful enforcement tools. While collection does not always happen immediately, having a valid judgment in place puts you in a position of leverage and keeps your options open. With patience, proper documentation, and the right support, many landlords are able to recover what they are owed over time.