The Eviction Process Simplified

by TeamIWP on 16. Mar, 2009 in News

by Flower De Raadt, TheRealEstateNewbie.com

When becoming a landlord or real estate investor, one of the lessons you need to learn is how to follow through with an eviction when the tenant falls behind on their rent payments. Here are the simple steps. I recommend you consult your local officials and an attorney for the exact steps in your area.

The Eviction Process

Send a 30-day notice to the tenant
File an eviction with the local court
After the tenant has received eviction papers, they will have a chance to answer in the form the court asks for their answer.
If the tenant doesn’t answer, the court will file it as a default judgment in favor of the landlord.
If the tenant does answer with a valid defense, a hearing or trial will be set.
If the court rules that the landlord can evict the tenant, a sheriff will post a notice on the tenant’s door giving a deadline when they have to move out.
On that date, the sheriff will show up and make sure that the tenants and their belongings are moved out (set on the curb).

Everyone really loses during this process. The tenant has fallen behind on their rent payments because they’re having financial difficulties. The investor loses income from their property in forms of rent, unnecessary repairs, and re-listing fees. The property manager (whether it be the owner or someone else), has to take the time to go through the eviction procedures and then prepare the unit to be re-listed and find new tenants spending valuable time that could be spent elsewhere. I have witnessed the Sheriff going to a property to make sure the tenants’ belongings were moved out and going to the court to see an eviction trial. The textbook/paper learning becomes real life when you witness it first hand.

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Flower De Raadt is founder of TheRealEstateNewbie.com. TheRealEstateNewbie.com is a blog and information source for newbie real estate investors to learn different strategies that will help them jump start their real estate investing journey. Flower also interviews Real Estate Industry Experts on her monthly podcast- TheRealEstateNewbie.com Expert Interview Podcast available through iTunes about the real estate industry, investing strategies, and the millionaire mindset. To receive real estate investing tips and a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift card sign up for the monthly newsletter at TheRealEstateNewbie.com.