Property Management Blog

A Landlord's Guide to the Eviction Process

A Landlord's Guide to the Eviction Process

About 91 percent of the largest cities in the US have observed an increase in rent charges. The spike in rent has increased friction between tenants and landlords.

There has been some added financial strain since the start of the pandemic. Landlords have had to wait longer for payments.

However, there comes a time when the landlord has to ask the tenant to vacate the premises. Landlords don’t like evictions and use them as the last result.

Friction with tenants can turn into ugly fights. It's wise to remain professional throughout the process. Keep reading this guide to know how to evict a tenant.

1. Laws And Policies

It's common for tables to turn during the eviction process. Instead of the tenant paying for rent arrears, you could be paying them for property damage.

Before you make any move, know Ohios' eviction laws. They can differ from state to state. This way, you will carry out the eviction process without fear of crossing a line.

2. Check For Violations

After reviewing the laws, you’ll know that you can’t evict a tenant without a valid reason. If they are causing damage to the property, it's wise to have a valid inspection report.

You might want to document other violations like a late payment. The documents will come in handy in a court of law as shreds of evidence.

You also have the right to evict tenants if they are disrupting the peace of others. Moreover, using your property to run illegal activities is a valid reason for eviction.

3. Issue A Notice

Now that you have a valid reason to evict the tenant, it's time to issue a notice. An eviction notice reminds the tenants of their lease violation.

You can specify eviction dates in the notice. Most landlords decide to give tenants a chance to follow the rules before the due date.

In some cases, you can give the tenant an option to pay or quit. However, the landlord has the right to issue a notice to vacate regardless of payment.

Send the notice by mail to have a written record of it. Ohio statutory laws will dictate the grace period given to tenants. You have to wait through the entire time even though their rent payment is long overdue.

4. File For Eviction

If the tenant hasn’t made any payments by the due date, it's time to file for an eviction. This doesn’t mean that you harass the tenant.

Approach the court with all the necessary documents. The court handles the rest of the eviction process for you.

If you have pieces of evidence of lease violation, the case is pretty straightforward. Otherwise, the court frowns upon any harassment against tenants.

How To Handle Evictions

There is nothing as irritating as dealing with tenants that won’t pay rent on time. Besides, other tenants enjoy disturbing the peace. Keep things professional when dealing with these tenants.

If you follow the right channels the court will protect your interest. Feel free to contact us if you need any help with handling evictions.

 

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