Question: I have a friend who owns a rental unit and the tenant refuses to pay the rent. This has gone on for several months. The tenant is a menace and offered to move if my friend gave him $7,000. My friend was desperate so he agreed, but the tenant changed his mind -- this deadbeat would rather live rent-free. My friend has consulted lawyers but has been told tenants' rights (especially in some rent-control areas) are so strong that there is nothing he can do. Any advice?

Landlords' attorney McKinley replies:

Your friend has been given bad advice.  more...