San Diego is one of Southern California's most competitive rental markets.
With so many highly qualified renters in the city, you'd think it'd be easy for property owners to find tenants. So long as you engage in proper tenant screening methods, you can find good tenants. That doesn't mean you won't have to enforce your lease agreement, however.
In today's post, we'll tell you three things you must know about lease enforcement in San Diego. If you're going to maintain a lucrative rental property for a long haul, keep reading and we'll make sure you understand your responsibilities as a landlord as well as what to expect of your tenants.
1. Understand the San Diego Lease Enforcement Law
Before you write up a lease, it's important to understand the laws behind lease enforcement in San Diego. If you try to enforce a lease or evict a tenant outside the boundaries of the law, it could seriously backfire.
Certain things are required of you as a landlord and certain things are owed to you from your tenant. California is a favorable place for tenants, so you need to familiarize yourself with the minutiae of the law. There's a lot to learn, but it's worth putting in the time to keep everything above board.
For instance, you can only evict a tenant for failure to pay rent, criminal activity, and a breach of your lease agreement. Similarly, you can only use a security deposit to cover unpaid rent or repairs due to excessive wear and tear.
2. Bring Clarity to the Lease Agreement
Communication is a major aspect of any successful tenancy and this includes the lease agreement. Don't use vague language when writing the lease agreement, as it will create situations that won't benefit you.
If a tenant does something that you perceive to be outside the bounds of the lease agreement, but the language isn't clear, you're at the mercy of how the court interprets the lease. Even seemingly minor typos can render certain parts of your lease agreement null and void in a court of law.
3. Don't Be Afraid of Lease Enforcement
When you've got a clear lease that obeys landlord-tenant law in California, there's no reason not to enforce it when necessary. Start by providing your tenant with a written notice that they've broken the lease. Documenting the warning will be important if it gets to eviction.
If your notice goes ignored, you can file an eviction with the court. Gather evidence to support your case and show up on the court date to present it. A successful case will result in an official eviction notice for your tenant.
How San Diego Property Management Can Help with Lease Enforcement
Lease enforcement can be tricky for landlords, especially if you're conflict-averse. Your tenants must follow the rules that you've laid out, so if lease enforcement isn't your thing, hire a property manager to do it.
Income Property Advisors is a top property manager and real estate firm in San Diego. We can help you with everything from writing up a lease to enforcing it. We also offer tenant screening services to ensure you only get the best tenants San Diego has to offer.
If you'd like to learn more about our services and how they can help you, contact us today.
