Even with the most thorough tenant screening, it's still possible that from time to time you'll encounter a not-so-perfect renter. It's not a pleasant part of the job of being a landlord, but tenant eviction is sometimes a necessary one. If you've found yourself in a situation where you have to evict a tenant, it's important to know the process involved.
Knowing exactly how to evict a tenant will mean that you'll protect yourself from being slammed with a wrongful eviction lawsuit down the line. Eviction laws do vary from state to state, and can sometimes change. It's important to keep yourself updated with the most relevant information.
This guide will take you through how to evict unwanted tenants in California without any issues. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
Local Eviction Laws
As well as the laws that usually govern a state or city, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought in a raft of new eviction protection regulations. In California, there are several laws to be aware of.
In San Diego County there are currently laws in place that have halted all evictions for tenants unable to pay rent due to COVID-19. There is an exception for tenants who represent an imminent health or safety threat.
As well as these laws, there are the more general laws that govern evictions in California. These include things such as having to give a written warning, the amount of day's notice necessary depending on the length of tenancy, and what is considered grounds for eviction.
Tips for Evicting Problem Tenants
The first thing you should always remember when evicting tenants is to follow the letter of the law. In California, this means giving as much as 60 days' notice to tenants, sending them a written warning, and having a just cause for eviction.
Things that constitute just cause for eviction in San Diego include a violation of the tenancy agreement, a tenant refusing entry to their landlord after a proper request, and conversion of apartment units into condos. There are others, although some may currently be void due to Coronavirus regulations.
After you've given proper notice and it hasn't been responded to, you'll have to file the necessary documents with the court. Then you'll need to give time for your tenant to respond to the documents, and finally, you can go to court to finalize the eviction process.
The second tip is to try to be as civil as possible. Evictions can be tense times, but you should always try to keep your cool and act in a professional and detached manner. You don't want to give your tenant any grounds for refuting the validity of the eviction.
How to Evict a Tenant in California
Knowing exactly how to evict a tenant can be tricky, especially with all of the new laws to keep up with. If you're unable to facilitate a legal and headache-free eviction yourself, why not let us handle it for you? Get in touch with us at Income Property Investors to see how we can help you handle the often stressful reality of being a landlord today.
