what should an attorney do to evict a tenant

by Connie Windler 6 min read

Before your eviction lawyer can start proceedings against a tenant, he or she will need a copy of your written lease agreement, if there is one. Many lease agreements contain predicate notice requirements that must be met before you can start legal action.

Full Answer

Should I hire a lawyer to evict a tenant?

Jan 23, 2022 · Eviction is the process through which a landlord can legally ask the tenant to leave a rented property. Landlords must have a valid and legal reason to evict.: Legal reasons include tenants engaging in illegal activities, property damage, nonpayment, lease agreement violations, and the expiration of the lease.

Why do I need an attorney to fight an eviction notice?

Dec 16, 2021 · A written eviction notice should include the date the tenant must cure or quit, the total amount owed by the tenant in the case of unpaid rent, and the number of days the tenant has to respond or leave before beginning the eviction process with the court. Step #5: File the eviction in …

What are tenants’ defenses to eviction?

A tenant can also stop an eviction if they have a valid legal defense against the claim. In this case, the tenant should retain an attorney to argue on their behalf during the proceeding. In the event that there is a temporary ban on evictions in a specific jurisdiction, then a landlord will be prohibited from evicting a tenant by law.

What does it mean to evict a tenant?

Jun 26, 2020 · If you feel a landlord discriminated against you, fighting the eviction makes sense. Also, if the landlord retaliates against you when you’ve exercised your legal right as a tenant, you should pursue legal protection. Hiring a lawyer gives you a better chance of winning your eviction case. The Case for Hiring a Lawyer for Eviction Proceedings

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What does an eviction lawyer do?

A lawyer will be able to assist in checking whether the eviction process is handled legally by the landlord or property owner. For instance, if they are trying to evict you without a court order, this is a criminal offence where the landlord can be fined or even imprisoned.Jan 16, 2018

What is the fastest you can evict a tenant?

If the tenants violated the lease or rental agreement and the violation can be fixed, the landlord often issues a three-day perform covenants or quit. If the tenants can't fix the violation, the landlord issues a three-day notice to quit. Other options for notice include a 30-day or a 60-day move-out notice.

Can a landlord evict you without a court order?

No-one can be evicted without an order of a court. ... The law does not permit arbitrary evictions. This means that before you are evicted there must be a court order. A court must consider how the eviction will affect the people who will be evicted and evictions cannot be done without good reasons.Apr 26, 2018

What is the process of eviction of tenants?

An eviction notice must be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction, stating the basis for eviction as well as the time and date by which the tenant must leave the property, and it must then be issued to the tenant. The landlord must allow the tenant a reasonable amount of time to quit the rented property.Dec 21, 2021

Can you evict a tenant for not paying rent?

Late or non-payment of rental is a breach of lease, but you need to follow the proper procedures to put the tenant to terms or evict – DIY eviction of a tenant is not just frowned upon, it's illegal. ... Likewise, any form of harassment could see you being sued by the tenant – so keep it legal!

How long does an eviction order take?

It can take between six weeks and 18 months to obtain an eviction order, depending on whether the eviction is unopposed or opposed. Rental insurance products commonly include cover for legal fees.Aug 24, 2016

What is illegal eviction?

An illegal eviction takes place if a landlord or letting agent makes you leave your home without following the right procedure.

What to do if a tenant refuses to leave?

If a tenant disagrees to leave even after the completion of the lease period, you can approach the Civil Court, under the jurisdiction of which your property falls. You may seek the eviction of your tenant but you will have to abide by the Court's decision, whether or not it is in your favor.Sep 30, 2016

What happens if a tenant does not vacate?

Eviction clause should also be mentioned in the agreement so it can be used in case of a dispute. ... In both these cases, if the tenant does not vacate, the landlord will have to file a suit for eviction in the district court and get an order,” explains Kumar Mihir, a Supreme Court lawyer.Feb 7, 2019

Who orders the tenants to leave?

The father of the narrator asked the tenants to leave the house.Oct 31, 2020

How Does A Landlord Evict A Tenant?

The landlord must provide the tenant with adequate written notice in a specified way and form, which varies by state. If the tenant does not move,...

What Should The Eviction Notice Say?

State laws set out very detailed requirements for landlords who want to end a tenancy. Different types of notices are often required for different...

Can A Landlord Throw The Tenant and His Belongings Out on The Street?

No. The tenant has a few days to move his things and self out of the space. After that, the police can come and forcibly remove the tenant.

What Happens to My Property If The Eviction Occurs When I’M Not Home?

The landlord has a number of options regarding property after the tenant has been evicted. The landlord can retain and store the property for a fee...

What Defenses Does A Tenant Have Against Eviction?

There are a number of defenses a tenant can use to delay or stop an eviction. These include: 1. Warranty of habitability – The landlord has the dut...

Should I Consult A Lawyer About An Eviction?

Landlord-tenant law is very complicated and constantly undergoing changes. An experienced landlord-tenant attorney can help you identify the law th...

Why do you need an attorney to evict a tenant?

Reasons for using an attorney to evict a tenant include: Eviction can be a complex process. Most landlords don’t have the required level of knowledge and expertise. Some landlords may become emotionally involved when evicting a tenant. Peculiarities of state and local landlord-tenant laws.

How to evict a tenant without evicting?

The answer is that there is. In fact, there are two good ways to try and evict a tenant quickly without having to evict: 1. Offer the tenant cash for keys. Although it may seem counterintuitive to pay the tenant to leave when they owe you money, cash for keys can make good financial sense.

What does "for cause" mean in eviction?

Evictions are “for cause”, which means that the tenant has done something that forces the landlord to send a notice that begins the eviction process. Sometimes the tenant can “cure” the violation, such as catching up on the rent and any late fees or getting rid of the unauthorized roommate. An eviction can also be incurable or unconditional, such ...

Why do landlords evict tenants?

Eviction is the process landlords used to recover the possession of leased real property from tenants who do not want to leave. As the Legal Information Institute ( LII) at Cornell Law School notes, evictions are difficult, painful, and expensive for all parties involved. The most common reason for evicting a tenant is nonpayment of rent.

What happens if a tenant refuses to pay rent?

If a tenant can’t pay rent, refuses to pay, or starts to destroy your property, you may need to evict the tenant to protect your property. In this article, we'll explain how to evict a tenant, two possible ways to get rid of a tenant without having to evict and offer some tips on how to avoid renting to a tenant you may end up having to evict.

What is the eviction notice?

A written eviction notice should include the date the tenant must cure or quit, the total amount owed by the tenant in the case of unpaid rent, and the number of days the tenant has to respond or leave before beginning the eviction process with the court.

What are the reasons for evicting a tenant?

Generally speaking, valid reasons for evicting a tenant include nonpayment of rent, violation of one or more terms of the lease, destroying the property, conducting illegal activity, or refusing to leave when the lease expires.

What to do if tenant is evicted?

If the tenant has good reason to defend against the eviction notice, then they should hire a qualified attorney to argue on their behalf in court. This can help ensure a more successful outcome due to the legal procedures involved and certain evidence that the tenant may not know to gather themselves.

Why would a landlord want to evict a tenant?

There are many different reasons for why the landlord may want to evict a tenant from a rental property, including: If the tenant has breached the terms of their lease or rental agreement (e.g., smoking in a non-smoking building or keeping pets despite no-pet conditions in the lease); and.

What happens when you file an eviction notice?

Once the eviction notice is filed with a local court, then the clerk will send a summons to the tenant and also provide the landlord with a court date for a hearing. At this stage, both the landlord and the tenant should be collecting evidence to support their arguments for and against the eviction at the hearing.

What to do if tenant forgot to pay rent?

If the tenant simply forgot to pay rent or is now in a situation where they are able to pay it, then the tenant should alert the landlord and make the payments.

What happens if a landlord removes a tenant's personal property?

If the landlord removes a tenant’s personal property before the eviction order is granted, then the tenant will have grounds to sue for illegal possession of property and any associated damages done to the property that were caused by the landlord’s illegal actions.

How long do you have to leave a house if you are not a tenant?

If a court rules in favor of the landlord, then the tenant will have a certain amount of days to leave the premises. If they have not left after the time period has expired, then the landlord may contact local law enforcement to have the tenant arrested and removed.

When should landlord and tenant come to their own agreement?

This should happen either before the landlord sends a formal eviction notice or the tenant should reach out to the landlord immediately after they receive it. This is especially true if the reason for the eviction is based on missing rent payments.

Why do landlords evict tenants?

Landlords can evict tenants for a variety of reasons. Most evictions occur because tenants get behind on rent and can’t catch up. Did you know when you fail to pay rent on time, you’re breaking the terms of your lease agreement? Other reasons for eviction include the following: Violations of the Pet Policy.

What happens if you are evicted?

Evictions usually create a negative impact on your quality of life and your financial stability. Without a lawyer who understands the nuances of landlord/tenant law, you likely won’t make the most persuasive case.

What is it called when a tenant won't move out after the lease expires?

Sometimes a landlord might start the eviction process if a tenant won’t move out after the expiration of their lease. It’s called a holdover. By the way, if you’re in this situation, an attorney is your best weapon. Holdovers present several challenges to landlords and tenants.

What are the reasons for eviction?

Other reasons for eviction include the following: 1 Violations of the Pet Policy 2 Subletting to Tenants Not on the Lease 3 Property Damage 4 Disrupting Other Tenants 5 Using the Property for Illegal Purposes

How long do you have to move if you win an eviction?

Even if they win in court, you will usually have at least a few days to move. Even the savviest tenants don’t know the ins and outs of the eviction process. Sometimes landlords don’t serve eviction notices according to law. They may also use incorrect forms.

What to do if landlord discriminates against you?

Also, if the landlord retaliates against you when you’ve exercised your legal right as a tenant, you should pursue legal protection. Hiring a lawyer gives you a better chance of winning your eviction case.

What happens if you get an eviction notice?

When you come home to an eviction notice tacked to your front door, it can knock the wind out of your sails. Who wouldn’t worry about losing their home, not to mention the damage an eviction could cause to your credit rating?

What is the purpose of a rent repayment hearing?

In states that schedule two hearings, often the initial hearing is designed to give the landlord and tenant the chance to work out an agreement to allow the tenant to remain in the rental unit, such as creating a rent re-payment schedule if the eviction is due to nonpayment of rent.

What happens if a tenant doesn't move out?

However, if the tenant is not able to correct the issue, or isn’t given the option to correct the issue and fails to move out by the deadline in the notice, then the landlord can proceed with the next step in the eviction process, which is filing an eviction action with the court.

Why is retaliatory eviction called retaliatory eviction?

These are called retaliatory evictions because it can appear that the landlord is trying to “get back” at the tenant for exercising their rights. If the rental unit is in a state that does not require written notice prior to beginning an eviction action, landlords may skip directly to step 4 below.

What happens at an eviction hearing?

At the eviction hearing, whether it’s the first hearing, the second hearing, or a jury trial, one of two things can happen: 1 The court rules in favor of the tenant 2 The court rules in favor of the landlord

What is the first step in evicting a tenant?

Step 1: Lease Expires or Is Violated. Landlords can evict tenants for a variety of different reasons depending on the state. Typically, landlords must have a valid reason to evict a tenant unless the lease/rental agreement has expired, such as nonpayment of rent, illegal activity, and lease violations.

What happens if a tenant fails to move out of a rental?

If the tenant fails to move out within their state’s deadline, then in nearly every state, law enforcement officials will return to the rental unit and forcibly remove (or evict) the tenant from the rental unit. See the chart below for the amount of time given to tenants to move out prior to being forcibly removed.

What does "shut off" mean in a rental?

Shuts off a tenant’s utilities. Or otherwise prevents the tenant from physically entering or living in the rental unit. Retaliatory Evictions. In many states, though not all, landlords are not allowed to evict tenants for reporting health/housing code violations or being part of a tenant’s organization.

Do landlords hire an attorney for eviction?

Oftentimes a landlord new to the process, who knows that he/she will be facing the eviction process again in the future will hire an attorney the first time, keep copies of everything the attorney files, sees how it is done and then proceeds on his/her own in future evictions.

Do I need an attorney for a landlord tenant?

Landlord/Tenant actions are somewhat routine in most states. You are not required to have an attorney. Often you can just go to the landlord tenant court (often part of the small claims court system) and the clerks will help you with the paperwork. Yes, you can get an attorney if you are totally lost, but one is not required...

Do you have to have an attorney to evict a tenant?

You don't have to have an attorney to proceed with an eviction but there are a number of technical requirements that an attorney can help with such as what sort of Notice to Quit you need to use and when you need to send it, when you can file the summary process complaint, the reasons you should give for the eviction, and the arguments you should make against the tenant's defenses and counterclaims, if...

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Never Try It on Your Own

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The temptation to attempt to handle an eviction on your own is great–the Internet is full of “advice,” free downloadable forms for you to send your tenant, and lots of general information. Most of it is just wrong. Before you start printing free forms, be reminded of one thing–you get what you pay for. In the Nassau and Suffolk Co…
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How The Eviction Process Works

  • Before your eviction lawyer can start proceedings against a tenant, he or she will need a copy of your written lease agreement, if there is one. Many lease agreements contain predicate notice requirements that must be met before you can start legal action. An experienced eviction lawyer will read the lease to ensure that you have met all such notice requirements. Many Nassau and …
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Non-Payment Eviction

  • If your tenant simply does not pay the agreed amount of rent, then you have the right to evict him or her. If the tenant pays all of the rental arrears and becomes current in the rent on or before the court date, the case will generally be dismissed and the tenant will remain in possession of the property. If you are willing to accept the potential for this outcome, then a non-payment proceedi…
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Hold-Over Eviction

  • Two things have to be in effect for a hold-over proceeding: 1. Non-payment of rent is NOT the primary grounds for a the eviction. 2. There is no written lease in effect for a term not yet expired. In other words, if the term of your tenant’s written lease agreement has not yet expired, you generally cannot evict him or her unless the tenant stops paying rent. If your agreement is oral, h…
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Steps to An Eviction

  • There a several trips to the courthouse in an eviction proceeding and every case is different, but these are the basics. Serve an appropriate predicate notice. This lets the tenant know that he or she must do something within a specified time period, or an eviction action will begin. File and serve a Notice of Petition with Petition in the appropriate court. Appear in court on the date the p…
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Why You Need An Eviction Lawyer

  • Evicting a tenant is time-consuming and takes precise attention to the New York landlord-tenant statutes, which is why you need an experienced attorney to represent you. At the Murtha Law Firm, LLC, we have many years of experience in working with landlords to resolve tenant issues. Our flat fee covers all the expenses you would incur if you tried to evict on your own, including fil…
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