With rent prices rising annually, more Americans are finding it difficult to pay rent. This can mean lost revenue for the property owner.
If you own one or more investment properties and have bad tenants, you may have to start thinking about eviction. If your tenant is not taking care of the property or has stopped paying rent, you'll need to take steps to remove them.
As a landlord in Atlanta, GA, this evictions guide will help. It's vital you stick to the law when evicting tenants, or you open yourself up to a lawsuit.
Keep reading if you'd like to know more about evicting a tenant. This guide tells you all you need to know.
Grounds for Eviction
As a landlord, you can't evict someone without due cause. For instance, serving them with an eviction notice simply because you don't like them anymore is not okay. Here are some grounds for eviction that are valid:
- Non-payment of rent
- Breach of the lease agreement
- Nuisance behavior
- Criminal activity on the property
- Property damage
A Notice to Quit
In Atlanta, GA, evictions must be preceded by a notice to quit. This notice to quit must state the reason for the removal. It should also detail the date by which the tenant must move out.
Your tenant may choose to dispute the eviction. If they do, understand that this can delay the eviction process. Evictions can take several weeks or months, so it's essential to be patient and understanding of the process.
- Pro Tip: Hire a good property manager to help with the eviction process
Eviction Hearing
Once you've sent the notice to quit, if your tenant refuses to move out, you can file an eviction lawsuit against them. This hearing will occur in a courtroom in front of a judge.
During this eviction hearing, as the landlord, you must provide valid reasons for evicting the tenant. Once the judge has all the information, he can rule. The judge will order the tenant to move out if he rules in favor of the landlord.
Removal of Tenant
Finally, if your tenant has still not moved out even after the judge has ordered them to do so, you can have them removed by the sheriff. The sheriff will give the tenant a certain amount of time to vacate the property. If they ignore the sheriff, law enforcement will forcibly remove them from the property and potentially face criminal charges.
Evictions Made Easy
Evictions can be difficult and time-consuming, but following the law and taking steps to remove a bad tenant from your investment property is essential. Make sure you have a good reason to evict the tenant. Some common grounds for eviction include non-payment of rent, violating the lease terms, and causing damage to the property.
If you are a landlord in Atlanta, GA, and need help with an eviction, please contact our company today. We offer full-service property management services, including eviction assistance. We will work with you to ensure the eviction process is handled correctly and efficiently.
