Evictions are never fun. But they are something all landlords face in their time. The goal is to fill your rental properties with the best tenants possible.
Sometimes a tenant that looks great on paper can force your hand, and you can’t justify keeping them as a renter. It's because of late or missed payments or the destruction of property. When this happens, you need to get them out as soon as possible and move on to finding a new tenant.
This article is your guide to understanding how to handle evictions. Keep reading to learn more.
Understand Eviction Laws
Once you decide to evict your tenants, familiarize yourself with your state eviction laws. Some states still have moratoriums in place set by the Corona Virus. Be sure to check on those dates.
Eviction laws about late rent payments and damaging property are the same across states. Others have specific rules for when to give notice about evictions. For example, in California, a tenant’s rent is late the day after it’s due.
If your tenant hasn’t paid within 24 hours, you can start giving notice.
Reason with Your Tenant
The most common reason for evictions is late rental payments. Before you choose to evict tenants, try to talk to them, and get an idea of what’s happening. Remind them about the rental agreement and ensure that they adhere to it.
If it’s a specific incident like damaged property, ask them to fix or replace it. Warn the tenant that you will take more severe action next time.
Provide Notice
You begin posting notices when reasoning with your tenant doesn't work. Double-check your state laws, as the language may vary.
Pay Rent or Quit Notice
Use this notice when your tenant has not paid the rent. It gives the tenant three to five days to pay the rent or move out.
Covenants (Cure) or Quit Notice
You can give this notice when your tenant violates a condition of the lease or the rental agreement. These can be things like a no-pet clause or excessive noise. The covenants (cure) notice gives the tenant time to correct the violation, and if they cannot do so, they must move.
Unconditional Quit Notice
The unconditional quit notice will evict tenants with no chance to pay the rent or fix the violation. To give this notice, a tenant must:
- Repeat the violation
- Repeat late rental payments
- Severe damage to the property
- Engage in illegal activity
If the tenant refuses to move out or fix the lease violation, you can file an eviction lawsuit.
Prep for the Possibility of a Court Date
A tenant may choose to defend themselves against an eviction suit. Keep records of emails, proof of late payment, and notices. You must go through the proper channels to ensure a stronger case if the eviction goes to court.
Find Tenants After Evictions
Evictions are an exhausting process. Let the team at Home River Group Sacramento deal with the hassle. Our full-service property management company will evict tenants for you and help you find the best tenants in Sacramento!
Contact us today or visit our website for more information!
