what lawyer handles getting someone evicted from your home

by Miss Magdalen Klocko II 7 min read

Full Answer

What court handles eviction?

  • Give the tenant the name and address of the property owner and manager
  • Tell the tenant how to get a free copy of the Arizona Landlord and Tenant Act
  • Give the tenant a signed copy of the lease
  • Give the tenant possession of the residence
  • Comply with applicable building codes
  • Make necessary repairs so that the residence is habitable
  • Keep common areas clean

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How can an eviction attorney help?

  • The landlord and tenant should come to their own agreement. ...
  • If the tenant simply forgot to pay rent or is now in a situation where they are able to pay it, then the tenant should alert the landlord and make ...
  • If they cannot do it on their own, then the parties should schedule a mediation session before going to court on the matter.

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Do I need a lawer to handle an eviction?

You have the right to have a lawyer if you would feel more comfortable, but the cost is usually exorbitant compared to what you can gain from the eviction. When evicting a tenant, the process you will go through is typically more expedient than your standard civil suit.

How to find a landlord eviction attorney?

ask your family attorney (if you have one) for a referral. ask a local real estate rental office. ask a local property management company who they recommend. My favorite and most reliable way to find the right eviction attorney is to go to your local courthouse during a landlord - tenant court session and sit there listening to the cases.

How can you make someone move out of your house?

Legally Removing People. Send a certified letter asking them to leave in 30 days or less. While a house guest is not technically a tenant, certain tenant-landlord laws still apply to the relationship if they've been with your for more than 30 days. Talk to an attorney who will help you draft and send an eviction notice ...

How do you ask someone to move out?

Start by mentioning that you weren't expecting them to stay as long as they have, and that you would like to have your home to yourself again. Just be open and let them know what you are feeling and whether or not you are flexible on their move out date.

What if your ex won't leave the house?

Assuming you're the only one with a legal right to be there, you may be able to charge your ex with trespassing if he doesn't leave your home voluntarily. You can call the police, but the officers may be reluctant to charge him. He's there because you once wanted him to be and you gave him permission to live with you.

How do you get a man to leave your house?

Contact the police and get a restraining order. Obtain a restraining order; if you own the apartment or house that you share, this will keep him from returning and will also let you keep your own living space.

How Does A Landlord Evict A Tenant?

The landlord must provide the tenant with adequate written notice in a specified way and form, which varies by state. If the tenant does not move,...

What Should The Eviction Notice Say?

State laws set out very detailed requirements for landlords who want to end a tenancy. Different types of notices are often required for different...

Can A Landlord Throw The Tenant and His Belongings Out on The Street?

No. The tenant has a few days to move his things and self out of the space. After that, the police can come and forcibly remove the tenant.

What Happens to My Property If The Eviction Occurs When I’M Not Home?

The landlord has a number of options regarding property after the tenant has been evicted. The landlord can retain and store the property for a fee...

What Defenses Does A Tenant Have Against Eviction?

There are a number of defenses a tenant can use to delay or stop an eviction. These include: 1. Warranty of habitability – The landlord has the dut...

Should I Consult A Lawyer About An Eviction?

Landlord-tenant law is very complicated and constantly undergoing changes. An experienced landlord-tenant attorney can help you identify the law th...

How do you find a good real estate lawyer?

If buying or selling property feels overwhelming and the thought of finding a good real estate lawyer seems daunting, you’re in luck. There are som...

What does a real estate lawyer do?

A real estate lawyer represents their client’s best interest in all matters related to the sale, purchase and ownership of real estate. They are ex...

How much do real estate lawyers cost?

The cost to hire a real estate lawyer depends on your needs. The national average cost for real estate lawyers ranges between $350 and $550 , alth...

Do I need a real estate lawyer?

Whether you need a real estate lawyer depends on what kind of legal assistance you need. In many states (such as Vermont and Maine), you are requir...

What to do if tenant is evicted?

If the tenant has good reason to defend against the eviction notice, then they should hire a qualified attorney to argue on their behalf in court. This can help ensure a more successful outcome due to the legal procedures involved and certain evidence that the tenant may not know to gather themselves.

How Can I Stop an Eviction?

If it can be helped, no one genuinely wants to go through the eviction process . It is a stressful and upsetting situation that can result in someone losing their home. Thus, the following is a list of some ways that the parties may be able to stop an eviction from occurring:

What is the Process for Eviction?

As previously mentioned, the eviction process is governed primarily by state laws. Thus, every state will have their own separate requirements and procedures for eviction actions.

Can I Find a Lawyer to Fight My Eviction for Free?

Evictions are one of the only areas of law where it is rare to find an attorney who will take on an eviction case for free. There are many moving parts involved in the eviction process and even more complex laws and research that the attorney will have to focus on, meaning it can take up a lot of their time and costs to complete one eviction case.

Do I Need a Lawyer for an Eviction?

Thus, in order to minimize the amount of pressure and challenges that an eviction action can cause, you may want to contact a local real estate lawyer for further assistance .

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What happens when you file an eviction notice?

Once the eviction notice is filed with a local court, then the clerk will send a summons to the tenant and also provide the landlord with a court date for a hearing. At this stage, both the landlord and the tenant should be collecting evidence to support their arguments for and against the eviction at the hearing.

What can a landlord tenant lawyer do?

A landlord-tenant lawyer can help you prepare your case to avoid being wrongfully evicted, by using procedures and laws that might be unfamiliar to a non-law yer.

What happens if your landlord wants to evict you?

If your landlord wants to evict you from your house or apartment, he or she must file a complaint against you in court, and prove that you have done something to violate your rental agreement.

Where are evictions filed?

In many states, however, evictions are filed in regular courts, which are governed by various rules and procedures under your state’s tenant laws. If you are appearing in court for eviction or any other lawsuit, you are held to the same standard as a lawyer.

Do you have to be a lawyer to file an eviction?

In many states, however, evictions are filed in regular courts, which are governed by various rules and procedures under your state’s tenant laws. If you are appearing in court for eviction or any other lawsuit, you are held to the same standard as a lawyer. In other words, you are responsible for following all procedures, just as if you were a lawyer.

Can you be evicted if you are not an attorney?

Even in states where evictions occur in small claims courts that are designed for non-lawyers, there are still rules to follow that you might not be aware of if you are not an attorney.

Can a landlord evict you if you don't serve the eviction notice?

Landlords are required to follow certain rules for evicting tenants. For instance, if your landlord doesn’ t properly serve you the eviction notice, the court shouldn’t evict you. If you’re not a lawyer, you’re likely not aware of these rules, and your landlord may get away with wrongfully evicting you. A judge also can’t give you legal advice about how to handle an eviction, so you’re totally on your own if you don’t know what to do in court.

How can you get professional help with evicting family members?

Since evictions are regulated by state and local law, an attorney will help you with the type of notification you must give, documents you must file, checks you shouldn’t give out. Hiring a professional attorney will also make things easier from a financial perspective. Moreover, making even a tiny mistake when filling out forms can lead to a legitimate case being thrown out of court. If you decide to use a professional to evict your family member, enter your ZIP code in the box.

How do you prepare for eviction?

If your state’s laws classify the family member as a tenant or licensee, your next step is to prepare for eviction or unlawful detainer action. Before you can file suit, you must first serve your family member or friend with a proper notice to vacate (or notice to quit) the premises. This type of notice is a more formal way of asking the person to leave your home.

What to do if a detainer refuses to leave?

If they still refuse to leave in violation of the order, you can then call law enforcement and have them removed, using physical force if necessary. Eviction or unlawful detainer actions are not generally complicated lawsuits. However, the rules of tenancy and procedure vary by state.

How long do you have to give a family member an eviction notice?

In some states, a 30-day notice is required, however, some only require as little as a 3-day notice. Each state has its own rules regarding how and when to serve the eviction notice. Be sure to follow all legal requirements. If your family member or friend fails to leave by the requested date, you can then file an eviction petition.

Can you evict a family member from your home?

Eviction of Family Member or Friend from Home. In the eyes of state law, the eviction of a family member or friend from home is a possibility. If a person refuses to vacate your space, then taking legal action to remove a tenant is your final option. But before taking any legal action, you must first determine how the law classifies ...

Can you remove a tenant from a house?

Accordingly, some state laws will treat them as a tenant. To remove them from the premises you will have to file a formal eviction proceeding (known as an unlawful detainer action) as in any other landlord-tenant relationship.

Is it mandatory to have a real estate attorney?

While having a real estate attorney represent you in this type of case is not mandatory, you can avoid more problems by having one. If you fail to comply with all of your state’s eviction procedures you will delay the removal of the unwanted guest.

What does a real estate lawyer do?

In states that require a real estate lawyer to close home sales, the lawyer must review and finalize all documents before the deal can be legally completed. Real estate lawyers also help clients legally protect their rights when entering, exiting or renegotiating a real estate deal. You can hire a real estate lawyer as an individual or as a business. A real estate lawyer can help with negotiation, addressing mortgage fraud, managing foreclosures and bankruptcy, transfers of titles and deeds, property ownership disputes, zoning issues, creating a co-ownership contract for joint purchase of a property, and much more. Real estate lawyers can also protect you from issues that result when a known problem was not properly disclosed by the previous owner. Overall, real estate lawyers are an added cost when it comes to buying and selling property, but they also ensure your best interests are met, and that you and the people you are doing business with comply with the law.

How do you find a good real estate lawyer?

If buying or selling property feels overwhelming and the thought of finding a good real estate lawyer seems daunting, you’re in luck. There are some simple steps to follow for finding a trustworthy, affordable real estate lawyer to help with your property and legal needs.

How much do real estate lawyers cost?

The cost to hire a real estate lawyer depends on your needs. The national average cost for real estate lawyers ranges between $350 and $550, although prices can vary greatly based on the individual case. Many states, such as New York and Georgia, require that a real estate lawyer handle the closing documents when buying or selling a house. Real estate lawyers may have closing packages that start around $500 and go up. The packages may include deed preparation, title examination, review of purchase and sale paperwork, working with the lender, and more. For more complex cases, real estate lawyers may work on an hourly rate and require a retainer. Hourly rates for real estate lawyers may range from $150 to $300 or more. Geography can also affect your costs; attorneys’ rates will typically be lower on average in Georgia than in New York City.

Do you need a lawyer to close a home sale?

In states that require a real estate lawyer to close home sales, the lawyer must review and finalize all documents before the deal can be legally completed. Real estate lawyers also help clients legally protect their rights when entering, exiting or renegotiating a real estate deal.

What to do if you evict a guest?

If you’re a reluctant landlord trying to evict a guest from your house, the first thing you need to do is establish how your state classifies this (now) unwelcome visitor. If he’s considered a tenant or licensee, you as the landlord will need to go through the eviction process.

Who will evict my tenant?

The sheriff or the sheriff’s deputies will evict your tenant. (Note: Memories of eviction proceedings will make future family get-togethers rather awkward.) Since personal feelings are involved, the tenant eviction ordeal can be messy. Here’s how to facilitate eviction and make it less excruciating. Consult a lawyer: The first thing ...

What happens if a tenant refuses to vacate after eviction?

If your tenant still refuses to vacate the premises after he receives an eviction notice, he is now in violation of a court order and you can call law enforcement to remove him.

What does it mean to be a tenant?

In some areas, he’s considered a tenant when he has a lease or pays rent, but in other areas a tenant is simply someone who occupies a space you own (with no lease or exchange of rent money).

How long do you have to give notice to a tenant to vacate?

Serve your tenant with a notice to vacate that states when and why he must vacate; most places require filing a three- to 30-day notice that the tenancy has ended. Be specific, and state what he must do to reinstate his lease (if anything), and by what deadline.

What to do if your tenant breaks the rules?

If you have rules about your guest using recreational substances, spell them out. And if your tenant breaks those rules, give him reasonable time to find a new place. Most jurisdictions don’t like to make people homeless “at the snap of a finger,” Schorr says.

How much does it cost to get evicted?

Eviction can cost $1,000 to $10,000 in legal fees, and sometimes more if the case goes before a jury. “I’ve had one eviction going on for a year and a half. We’ve been fighting like crazy,” Schorr says. Paying for a session or 10 of family counseling will likely cost less money than an eviction.

How to remove someone from your house?

In order to remove someone from your house, you must first determine what their legal rights and privileges are. Whether the individual is a guest, lodger, or tenant will play a significant role in your future actions.

How long do you have to evict a house guest?

If you have a house guest that is legally recognized as a tenant because they have lived with you for 30 days , you may have to formally evict them by serving the necessary legal paperwork and possibly taking them to court. Read More: ​ Difference Between a Guest & a Tenant. References.

What is a lodger in a home?

A lodger or boarder rents a room in your home without a lease, and typically does not have private access to their quarters. If they have a separate entrance that is not in common use they may be considered a tenant. Removing a lodger does not require an eviction unless the lodger has a lease or you rent multiple rooms to lodgers. Removing a lodger requires serving written notice that they must move out. Generally, you must give the lodger notice equal to the length between rent payments.

How to remove a guest from your home?

The law is not entirely clear how to remove guests from your home. Start by asking them to leave, then have a third party deliver a notice to vacate and finally call the police or change the locks. Be careful of your word choice – a guest may be able to delay removal if they say you had an oral agreement or if your notice implies they are a tenant.

What is a guest in a home?

A guest is a short-term visitor, has the least right to reside in your home and is the easiest to remove. However, because the law recognizes verbal agreements made between a homeowner and a guest, an implied agreement about staying in your home can make your guest a tenant in the eyes of the law. A boarder or lodger rents a room in your home.

Can you evict a tenant?

If you have a lease or sublease agreement with your tenant, you may not be able to evict them unless they have broken some aspect of your lease or state's laws regarding tenants.

Can you remove an unwelcome guest from your home?

Your legal course of action for removing an unwanted resident from your home will vary by state and by the legal status of the occupant. Seek legal advice or consult your state's laws on tenancy, evictions and trespassing before making them move.

How to serve a tenant in a court case?

Serving notice. Once you've filed your complaint with the court clerk, serve the tenants by personal delivery to either the tenant or another adult in the home. If the tenant avoids being served, request court authorization to post service on the door.

What is a lodger in eviction?

Owner-Occupied Eviction. Someone living in your home is legally referred to as a lodger . Lodgers have rights similar to any other tenant. However, in most states, lodgers generally don't have the same privacy rights as a tenant renting a non-owner-occupied property.

How to get a notice to vacate your house?

Prepare a written notice to your lodger stating that he cannot continue renting the room in your house. Also state in the notice the deadline to vacate your house. This date must be equal to the time period between rental payments. For example, if the rent is paid every month, your lodger is entitled to a month's notice. If the rent is paid weekly, a week's notice will suffice. Sign and date the notice.

What happens if you rent out a property you don't live in?

When you rent out a property that you own but don't live in, you are a landlord and the renter is your tenant. Following state protocol means there is legal basis, meaning reasons, for the eviction. Written notice to the tenant to vacate is required. The notice states your reasons for the eviction. Valid reasons include failure to pay rent, failure to vacate at the end of a lease, damage to the property, violation of lease terms or illicit activity conducted on the property.

How to file a detainer complaint?

Court filing. If the notice to vacate expires with no resolution, you file an unlawful detainer at the Superior Court in the same county where the property is located. Filing requires specific paperwork: 1 Unlawful detainer complaint 2 Cover sheet 3 Summons along with a prejudgment right of possession

How long does a tenant have to move out of a house?

The move-out deadline must be stated clearly. For rent or lease violations (e.g., having a prohibited pet), the tenant has three days to reconcile the issue to prevent eviction.

Why is a notice to vacate required?

Notice to vacate. In a state such as California, written notice is required before filing an "unlawful detainer" lawsuit in Superior Court .

How does an eviction work?

For your reference (and since using an Eviction Notice will work similarly for you), here's how the Landlord/Tenant eviction process usually works: The landlord serves an eviction notice , and if the tenant doesn’t remedy the problem, both the tenant and landlord end up in front of a judge.

What happens if a judge finds for the landlord?

If that judge finds for the landlord, the tenant’s given a reasonable amount of time to vacate. Though laws vary state to state—and sometimes, even within a state—the process nearly always plays out as we just described.

What is the first step in a landlord-tenant relationship?

The first step, of course, is simply asking. Since this is a roommate, friend, or family member, your chance of success with politeness is much better than a typical landlord-tenant relationship. Odds are you’ve done this already, but it’s an important first step and would end up saving you a lot of paperwork, time, and hassle.

Can you move out without a lease?

In most situations without a lease, the person living in the property is treated as if they had a month-to-month lease, meaning they’ll need only a month to vacate.

Is Rocket Lawyer a lawyer?

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.

Can you evict a roommate?

Use an Eviction Notice. If asking doesn’t work, you actually must serve your unwanted roommate or family member with an Eviction Notice. In most states, the process for evicting someone who lives with you is quite similar to the process described in the first paragraph. Treating your roommate like a tenant increases your chances of success.

How to get your spouse evicted from your house?

Unless you can show that you have been the victim of domestic abuse, in which case you may be able to get an emergency protective order, you must follow some steps to try to get your spouse evicted from your home: Obtain a Court Order: File an order with the court for eviction.

How to evict a spouse?

One common method that can be used to evict a spouse in many states is by filing a request for a temporary order to vacate the marital premises with the local family court. Again, this option may only be available in certain states and each of those states may have its own guidelines, such as how long it might take for such an order to be ruled on or to go into effect.

When is it Possible to Evict My Spouse from Our Home?

There are a few possible scenarios in which it may be possible for one spouse to evict the other spouse from the marital home . These include the following:

What are the Steps to Evicting a Spouse During Separation?

Thus, while there are some general steps that a person can take to evict their spouse during a separation period, there may be either limited options available or extra steps that one can take depending on the laws of a particular state.

What to do if you are separated from your spouse?

If you are separated and attempting to evict your spouse from your home, you should contact a family lawyer. Your attorney can assist with both the eviction and with other divorce proceedings. Katie practiced law for seven years, focusing in the fields of Education and Labor/Employment law.

What happens to property when you divorce?

One other detail to keep in mind about property distributions during a divorce is that all property will be divided among the parties at the time that the divorce is finalized, regardless of whether that property is labeled as separate or joint marital property. The court will review the list of properties and assets owned jointly or separately by the couple to determine how to equitably distribute them amongst the parties.

What is an eviction?

An eviction is a procedure available under the law in which a tenant can be forced to move out of their residence, whether it be an owned or leased property . The tenant must not only physically depart from the residence, but also remove their personal property (any belongings they clearly own).