6 Reasons Why You May Need To Evict a Tenant
In an ideal world, you’d never have to worry about forcing a tenant to leave a rental property. However, evictions are a normal part of managing a property, and you may need to evict certain tenants for a variety of reasons in your role as a landlord.
To evict a tenant legally, you’ll need to offer the tenant enough chances to rectify any lease violations and provide sufficient move-out notice if an eviction is imposed. A property management company can assist you with the eviction process to ensure that each step is conducted lawfully.
Here are a few common reasons why tenants may get evicted.
1. Broken Rent Payment Commitments
If a tenant doesn’t pay rent on time or pays less than the rent amount that’s specified in the lease, you may pursue an eviction. Most states offer tenants a grace period to pay the full amount of the rent before a landlord can start the eviction process.
In Texas, landlords are allowed to start charging tenants late fees if the rent still hasn’t been paid two full days past the due date. The information regarding the late fee amounts and other nonpayment rental terms must be specified in the lease.
If you decide to evict a tenant for nonpayment of rent, you must give them a minimum of three days’ notice to vacate the property unless the lease states otherwise.
2. Property Damage
You can’t force a tenant to move because of normal wear and tear of the property, but excessive damage could warrant an eviction. If a tenant has caused extensive damage to walls, flooring, or appliances in the rental unit, you’ll likely have grounds to start the eviction process. You may also be able to sue the tenant if their security deposit isn’t enough to cover the damage.
3. Unauthorized Occupants
When the lease is signed, you and the tenant should agree upon the number of people who will be living in the rental unit. If the tenant houses additional people and hasn’t worked out an agreement with you to add them as tenants to the lease, you can pursue an eviction. You’ll also have legal justification to evict if a tenant subleases the rental without your permission.
4. Unauthorized Pets
Tenants who bring in animals that aren’t allowed are violating lease terms and may be evicted if they’re unwilling to part with their pets. You might not allow pets at all or only allow cats and smaller dogs. Some animals could also be dangerous, and evicting tenants who own any of these animals can help save your property and any other tenants from harm.
5. Business Operation in the Home
You can also evict a tenant if you haven’t authorized them to operate a business from the rental and they’ve chosen to do so anyway. In addition to violating lease terms, the tenant could be breaking zoning laws if they’re using a home that hasn’t been authorized for business purposes, and this may also land you in legal trouble.
6. Illegal Activities
Any activities that break the law are immediate grounds for eviction. Drugs, money laundering, and human trafficking are just some of the illegal activities that have been known to take place on some rental properties. If a tenant acts violently or threatens other tenants, you should try to evict them as quickly and safely as possible to try to keep everyone safe.
You shouldn’t try to deal with tenants who are involved in illegal activities on your own, and law enforcement officers should be contacted for assistance. The property management company that you’ve hired to assist you with running your rental property can also help you manage any of these situations in the safest way possible.
You have the legal right to evict a tenant under certain circumstances, and you shouldn’t hesitate to use the law to your advantage if you need to order someone to vacate your rental property. If you need help with evicting a tenant or any other property management issues, contact New Leaf Properties LLC for assistance.