The landlord-tenant relationship can still turn sour even at the end of the lease agreement. There are many reasons why a tenant will refuse to leave your property. It can be because the tenant hasn’t found a new place to live or has no money to use for moving out. Whatever the reason is, an agreement is an agreement that both parties should respect. If the tenant really refuse to move out after 30 days, then it’s time to learn your rights and know how you can use them.
Below are some of the most trusted tips when dealing with a tenant who won’t budge.
1. Identify the type of eviction
Your number one priority is to classify the eviction. The first type of eviction is when the tenant is paying but they refuse to go. Give the tenant an extra month until they find a new place to stay. This will only work if you don’t mind being a bit late with the eviction schedule or when you still haven’t found a new tenant yet. Make sure to talk to them and create a new notice that includes this new agreement.
The second type is when the tenant is no longer paying the rent. You have the rights to evict them, especially when you already gave them a 30 day notice. But what will happen with the money that they owe you?
Tell the tenant that they can cut the amount of their debt by moving out right away. You’re better off if you just let go this tenant. There are tons of tenants out there who can pay you properly. Bring in a middle man or an attorney so that everything will be documented and legal.
2. Avoid “self-help” measures
Evicting a tenant can get emotional. With the frustration brimming, it won’t be a surprise when you get too emotional and harass your tenant to just move out. Harassing your tenants to move out will only give them the reason to go to the police and have the tables turn. Do not change the locks or prevent them in entering the property. Solve this like mature and civilized adults.
3. File a lawsuit
Remember to stay calm and to follow the rules of eviction. Make sure that you wrote the notice properly and that the tenant got it on the right time. File a lawsuit to the court and give the details of what happened correctly. Get the help of a lawyer.
4. Try to reason out with your tenant
Have a good one-on-one with your tenant. Be understanding yet stern as you ask the tenant for his or her reason for refusing to go. Tell your tenant your part of the story and meet in the middle. There’s no bad situation that a good talk won’t solve.
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