what should i ask to the lawyer to evict a tenant

by Carlee Block 3 min read

Regardless of the reason for the eviction notice, remember, all tenants have rights. When you meet with your lawyer, ask for an explanation of your rights as they pertain to the relationship between you and your landlord. If you’ve enjoyed this article and would like to review more articles on legal matters, check out the archives on our blog.

Full Answer

How do I legally evict a tenant?

Read on to understand how to legally evict tenants. Once you become aware of a problem at the rental unit, start by talking with your tenant before jumping directly into the eviction process, especially if the tenant has had no history of issues beforehand. You’ll also need to be sure the issue is something you can evict a tenant for in your state.

When to talk to your landlord about an eviction?

Once you become aware of a problem at the rental unit, start by talking with your tenant before jumping directly into the eviction process, especially if the tenant has had no history of issues beforehand. You’ll also need to be sure the issue is something you can evict a tenant for in your state. When Can I Evict a Tenant?

Do I need an attorney to stop an eviction?

For example, if a tenant files for bankruptcy during the eviction, bankruptcy court will place a stay on the eviction process. Your eviction is stopped until the stay is lifted, and you’ll definitely need an attorney. Your knowledge and experience with the eviction process will also be a factor.

What kind of notice do you serve when you evict someone?

The kind of notice served depends on your state and the eviction reason: Pay or quit notice: If they are being evicted for past due rent rent, you will serve a “pay or vacate” notice, or a “pay or quit” notice.

image

Why Do Landlords Have to Evict?

Landlords who wait too long to evict a tenant can see cash flow quickly decline and potentially thousands of dollars in property damage caused by a bad tenant.

Who is sent to remove evicted tenants?

The writ is sent to local law enforcement who will visit the property, give the tenants a few minutes to pack some belongings, and then physically remove the evicted tenant and the tenant’s belongings, if necessary.

How many steps are there to evict a tenant?

While the exact process for evicting a tenant varies by jurisdiction, there are typically eight steps to follow to evict a tenant:

What is the red flag when dealing with a tenant?

One red flag you may be dealing with a professional tenant is when the applicant is in a hurry to move in. They know there is often a time lag between a recent eviction showing up on a rental history report and they are in a race against the clock to rent a new home before their old eviction becomes public record.

How much does an eviction cost?

The average cost of a residential eviction can easily run several thousand dollars or more from start to finish, according to research from SmartMove and BiggerPockets.

How much security deposit can a landlord use?

That’s because states also limit the amount of security deposit a landlord can require a tenant to pay, usually an amount equal to one or two times the monthly rent.

What is a professional tenant?

A “professional” tenant is someone who rents your property with the intention of not paying the rent each month. While the tenant may have paid upfront money, such as the first month’s rent and security deposit, they may never pay another dime.

What to do if you evict a tenant without a lease?

The first thing you need to do is talk to the tenants, especially if the reason is simply a late payment and the tenants pay rent most of the time. It is also reasonable if you’re evicting a tenant without a lease.

When Can You Evict a Tenant?

You must have a valid excuse to force your tenant to leave. Some of the most common and legal reasons include:

What does eviction mean?

When eviction is mentioned, it refers to the process a landlord can take to remove a tenant from their property. Eviction involves expelling someone from a rental property if they have not paid rent, engage in illegal activity, or have violated the terms of their rental agreement. Individual states and municipalities govern evictions in the United States.

What is the process through which a landlord can legally ask the tenant to leave a rented property?

Eviction is the process through which a landlord can legally ask the tenant to leave a rented property.

What is a pay rent notice?

Pay rent or quit notices are sent to warn the tenant to pay their due rent. It informs the tenant to either ‘ pay ’ or ‘ quit ’ the property. If you’re unsure how to start the eviction process, start with this note. It should include important information like the date, name of the tenant, address, rent amount, and more.

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

Removing a tenant before giving a 30-day notice or other eviction paperwork.

How to collect rent from tenant?

If you want to collect any rent or monetary amount owed, you have to file a small case lawsuit. This will send the tenant’s employer a court-approved order and enable them to garnish wages. This will ensure that the landlord receives the payment before the tenant is paid by their employer, which will help clear any outstanding rental debts.

How long does it take to get an eviction?

Specific days and dates will require you to do a little research into your state’s landlord-tenant laws. In most states, as long as everything goes as planned, an eviction takes about a month. However, in some “tenant-friendly” states, evictions can take up to six months.

How much to charge for eviction?

Court filing fee: Determine how many days after rent is due you’ll wait to begin eviction filings. Then, charge your tenants a court filing fee. Five percent is often a good start, but make sure to check with your local courts to know exactly how much you’ll be paying—and thus want to pass on to your tenants.

What happens if a tenant files for bankruptcy?

Expert legal advice is invaluable. For example, if a tenant files for bankruptcy during the eviction, bankruptcy court will place a stay on the eviction process. Your eviction is stopped until the stay is lifted, and you’ll definitely need an attorney.

Why is my rent late?

Of course, many landlords skip this step. But most of the time, when the rent is late, it’s because the tenant simply forgot or there’s another easy explanation. Usually they’ll say something like, “Shoot, okay… I’ll pay that today. I forgot, sorry .” Remind them to be sure to include the late fee with their payment.

What is a pay or quit notice?

Pay or quit notice: If they are being evicted for past due rent rent, you will serve a “pay or vacate” notice, or a “pay or quit” notice. This notice says that they have a certain number of days—depending on state laws—to pay the rent or they will be evicted. The notice should also explain the rental amount due, along with any late fees or penalties.

What is a notice to comply?

Notice to comply: If they are being evicted for other reasons, such as violating the terms of their lease (they moved in a pet, late-night partying, etc.), this notice states that they have a certain number of days to rectify the situation or else be evicted.

Can you evict a tenant from your rental property?

If you’ve found yourself wondering how to evict a tenant from your rental property, you’ve come to the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire eviction process, from hiring an attorney and notifying the tenant all the way through to your court date and tenant removal.

image