Property Management Blog

Renters make up nearly 36% of all residents in the United States, and eviction is an often-avoided yet integral part of the rental system. While it can be a hard topic to broach, landlords need to know how to do it effectively.

So what are the steps in the eviction process? What goes into carrying out quick evictions for your renters, and how do you prepare for new ones?

That's what we're here to look at today. Read on to find out more about how you can carry out evictions.

The Eviction Process

Eviction doesn't just refer to the process of removing a tenant from their property. It actually describes the entire legal process of notifying that tenant, getting the right paperwork done, and eventually moving them out.

Lease agreements are often in place between tenants and landlords. This sets each party up with the right understanding of what the eviction protocols are.

How Much Do Evictions Cost?

Many estimate an eviction to cost about $3,500 or more. People conduct tenant screening, partially to avoid those costs but also because tenant screening is often much cheaper.

These costs include lawyer fees, turnover, lost rent, and court fees. Even if a landlord gets a judgment from the court, it's hard avoiding many of these fees during an eviction.

Steps in the Eviction Process

There are four primary steps associated with evictions. While this might not encompass every eviction, it's a good place to get a sense of how it all works.

Pay or Quit Notice

A Pay or Quit eviction notice gives tenants a warning about their lease violation. It contains the number of days tenants have to comply with the lease and the time before an eviction is brought to court.

Landlords should provide a Pay or Quit notice through the mail. This provides a solidified date to when the process was initiated, but you should also post a notice to the tenant's door.

Eviction Forms

The tenant has a few days to respond to the notice, but non-compliance means the landlord should file an eviction complaint and summons. These are taken to a court clerk, and the sheriff will notify the tenant.

After this, both the tenant and landlord have to prepare documents and arguments to present before a judge or jury. 

Judgment

If the court sides on behalf of the landlord, they now have the right to remove the tenant from their property. If the tenant refuses, law enforcement is allowed to remove them directly.

There are different laws in each state for how removals are carried out. Make sure you're complying with your state requirements so as to not step over any bounds.

Preparing for New Tenants

Tenants and landlords often reach alternate agreements to avoid a full eviction. This includes pay-and-stay agreements or an agreed move-out and compliance.

Many evictions hit road bumps such as the tenant declaring bankruptcy. When tenants move out, there are still turnover costs for the landlord, which could lead to lawsuits depending on the damage done.

Understanding How to Carry Out Evictions

Evictions can be complicated and unpredictable, but there are set steps to follow for each situation. Use this eviction guide to help you understand how to carry them out. 

Looking for property management services in the Salt Lake City area? Contact us today and we'll provide you with a solution right away!