Evictions are one of the hardest parts of being a landlord. It's a difficult conversation that can lead to uncomfortable situations, no matter how necessary. Add this to tenants who don't comply, and you've got a headache waiting to happen.
The following guide is here to help make the process easier for you. We'll walk you through the basics of the eviction process, complete with tips and advice we've gathered from years of experience in the industry.
Are you dreading your next eviction? Keep reading to make it a smooth transition for everyone!
Reason for Eviction
The first step to any tenant eviction is to solidify the reasoning behind the eviction. Knowing your local laws will help with this and keep your business protected.
For instance, according to the Fair Housing Act, no tenant can be evicted due to reasons of:
- Race
- Color
- Marital status
- Sex or Gender
- Disability
- Sexual Orientation
- Age
- Place of birth
- Type of job
This means that your reason for the eviction needs to be based on the tenant's actions within your property. Things such as breaking a leasing contract, continued failure to pay rent, or problems with other tenants are acceptable reasons.
Collect evidence so you have records of these wrong-doings in case the eviction escalates.
Eviction Notice
Once you've figured out which eviction laws apply to the situation, it's time to choose the type of notice you'll present to the tenant. The time given to leave the area depends on how long the tenant lived on the property.
Use a 30-day notice to leave the property when the tenant has been on your property for less than a year. Use a 60-day notice to leave the property when the tenant has been there for over a year.
Presenting the Notice
A written notice is non-negotiable when it comes to evictions. Although you can send this in the mail, hiring a third party or handing the notice to the tenant yourself should be your default choice.
The deadline for the tenant to evict starts as soon as they receive the notice. This is another reason why hand-delivering the notice is a better choice, no matter how tricky the conversation. You'll know for certain that they received it, and when.
Note it in your records, and be ready for any kind of escalation. Even the greatest tenants can become aggravated when evictions are involved. Keep your cool and keep your records in order in case you need to bring the case to trial.
Ensure Lawful Evictions Every Time
With the right type, reasoning, and presentation of an eviction notice, you've already set yourself up for success. However, sometimes it's more worth your time to hand off the entire process to a management company with years of experience.
PMI First Choice has the capability and knowledge to take over your Newport Beach evictions so you don't have to worry. We take on the stress of the process and leave you to deal with all of your other duties as a landlord.
Check out our full list of services and we'll set you up with one of our experts right away!
