Being a landlord comes with a lot of responsibility. Not only do you have to make sure your property is up to code and in good repair, but you also have to screen your tenants carefully to avoid any potential problems down the road. Even if you do everything right, there's always a chance that things can go wrong and you'll need to evict a tenant. Here are the 6 most common reasons for eviction.
1. Non-payment of rent
Few things are as stressful as dealing with eviction. Whether you're a tenant or a landlord, the process can be complicated and emotionally charged. The most common reason for eviction is non-payment of rent, but there are other grounds for eviction as well. In some cases, a landlord may try to evict a tenant for disruptive behavior or damage to the property. If you find yourself in the middle of an eviction, it's important to understand your rights and how eviction works. With that knowledge, you can navigate the situation with confidence.
2. Lease violations
According to a study, the most common reason for eviction is lease violations. If a tenant violates their lease in some way, such as having unauthorized pets or guests, you can evict them. This includes things like failing to pay rent on time, having unauthorized pets, or causing damage to the property. Other common reasons for eviction include noisy or disruptive behavior, complaints from other tenants, and smoking indoors. In most cases, landlords will give tenants a warning before taking legal action. However, if the problem is not resolved, the landlord may eventually file an eviction lawsuit. Evictions can be costly and time-consuming for both landlords and tenants, so it is important to try to avoid them whenever possible.
3. Property damage
According to a recent study, the most common reason for eviction is property damage. This can include anything from leaving a hole in the wall to damaging flooring or fixtures. While it may seem like a small thing, property damage can quickly add up and make it difficult for landlords to keep their units in good condition. In addition, property damage often leads to other problems, such as noisy neighbors or increased repair costs. As a result, it’s important to be mindful of your actions and take care of your rental unit.
4. Disruptive behavior
One of the most common reasons for eviction is disruptive behavior. This can include everything from playing loud music at night to engaging in drug use or violence. While it is understandable that people may want to let off some steam now and then, landlords have a responsibility to ensure that their tenants are not disturbing the peace. When complaints are made, landlords typically give tenants a warning. If the disruptive behavior continues, however, they will often have no choice but to begin the eviction process. While it can be difficult to deal with disruptive tenants, many landlords find that it is better to take action early on rather than wait until the situation gets out of hand.
5. Criminal activity
If a tenant commits a crime on your property, you can evict them. This includes things like Disorderly Conduct, Drug Possession, and Assault. While it is the landlord's right to evict tenants for engaging in criminal activity, it is important to remember that evictions can have a significant negative impact on a person's life.
6. Unauthorized occupants
A landlord can evict a tenant for several reasons, but the most common reason is unauthorized occupants. This includes people who were not listed on the lease agreement or who have moved in after the lease was signed. Landlords typically require that all occupants be listed on the lease agreement in order to protect their investment and ensure that everyone living in the rental property is known to them. Unauthorized occupants can also be a safety hazard, as they may not have undergone a background check or be familiar with the building's rules and regulations. In addition, unauthorized occupants can strain relationships between tenants and landlords and lead to an increase in noise and other nuisances. As a result, it is important for landlords to carefully screen all potential tenants and require that everyone living in the rental property be listed on the lease agreement.
Bottom Line
While no landlord wants to go through the eviction process, it's sometimes necessary. By familiarizing yourself with the most common reasons for eviction, you can help prevent problems in your own rental property.
