Evictions hit 87.8% of pre-pandemic levels in Q3 of 2022. Since the Rent Relief Program ended, landlords and tenants have been in a tough spot.
Evictions are your last resort. That said, your property is an investment and a source of income. Evictions may be your only option in some cases.
But what if you are unsure how to evict a tenant? Unless you've done it, the eviction process can seem overwhelming.
We can help you there. Here are our landlord tips for evictions.
Check Your State's Landlord-Tenant Laws About Evictions
The law about evictions varies by state. This applies to things like late rent and damages. For example, in Virginia, rent must be late by 5 days before the landlord can mark it as late.
With luck, you will avoid legal action with your tenant. But contacting a lawyer can still be a wise idea.
Double-check your lease agreement too. You can evict tenants if they fail to pay rent or cause damage in most cases.
Reach Out to Your Tenant
This gives your tenant a chance to make amends. It shows good faith on your part if the case goes to court; you tried to talk with your tenant first.
Repeated late rent payments should result in a notice of late rent. This gives the tenant a final chance to set things right before you move forwards.
You can ask the tenant to fix the damages at your discretion too. But most leases state damages as sufficient justification for evictions.
Issue a Termination with Cause Notice
Pay or quit notices give the tenant the option to pay their missing rent or leave. There is a grace period for this in most states.
Cure or quit notices refer to behavior that violates the lease. This could be things like excessive noise, damage, smoking, and owning pets. The tenant has a time limit to cease the behavior before you begin the eviction process.
Unconditional quit is eviction without the chance for amends. The tenant must have missed rent several times, broken the law, or caused major damage.
Take Legal Action to Evict the Tenant
The legal eviction process can take weeks or months. The sooner your case concludes, the faster you can get a more qualified tenant.
Hire a housing lawyer trained to give landlord advice about evictions. Go through all the forms and be sure to complete them with care.
You need to file a landlord-tenant complaint at your local court. This kicks off the proceedings. Your past actions and good faith will help your case.
It is illegal to change the locks, remove items, or cancel utilities. Wait for the court to issue a Judgement for Possession. After this, you can get a Writ of Eviction, telling the tenant to leave after the property.
Ready to Find Your Next Tenant?
Evictions are the worst-case scenario for both tenants and landlords. We hope our landlord's advice helps you through the process.
Renters Warehouse has helped landlords manage their properties since 2007. We are experts in finding qualified tenants, collecting rent, and maintaining your property.
We are based in southeastern Virginia, and our testimonials tell you all you need to know. We can help you make the most out of your property.
