Let’s face it, evictions are no fun. In fact, they can be downright stressful and frustrating. They also can cost a bunch of money on court and attorney fees (and this is after the tenant may already owe you back rent). So is there a way to effectively have your tenant leave the property soon, without filing an eviction.
Yes, as strange as it seems, you can simply ask them. Here are some tips to having that conversation and trying to get them leave:
- This discussion must be done in person. Although it would be great to send this in a letter, send it via email or even tweet it, you should meet the tenant. Call ahead to insure they will be there and that you are not catching them at a bad time. Seeing them in person should allow you to read their reactions and quickly adjust your sales approach.
- Start out by politely saying that this (them living in your property) is not working out. Do not accuse them, do not threaten them with eviction. See if you can get them to agree by saying things like: “it just seems like this is not the place for you” or “you seem to be struggling each month to make the rent”. Find common ground where they are agreeing with you.
- Next, suggest that you would be willing to help them out by allowing them to break their lease and move out. Now you and I know that sounds a bit strange, but many tenants will feel like they can’t break the lease (despite not paying your rent). See if you can spin it that you are trying to help them out.
- If you can succeed at that, get them to move out by the end of the month or at the latest 2 weeks. Do not give them 60-90 days. You are not getting rent during that time most likely so you want them gone fast, but you don’t want them to feel like they are getting pushed.
- Tell them that you are going to simply send them a letter int he next day or so confirming what you decided. Again, spin it so it sounds like it is for their protection and confirmation.
- Make sure they understand that you are keeping the damage deposit if they don’t move out on time or the property is not in acceptable condition. If they don’t move, then you may be forced to file an eviction.
Moving a tenant out instead of evicting them can be a nice compromise to fix a tenant problem.
You can find your eviction information on the internet, but using an attorney is much better. Scott Ficek is not an eviction attorney, but he does lots of evictions for clients. Eviction law is different in every state. Check with a competent attorney.
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