How To Evict a Tenant

This is a four-part blog series on how to evict a tenant in Tampa, by a local property manager. This blog will discuss alternatives to eviction. In later parts of the blog series, we will cover preparing for an eviction, filing an eviction and what to do once you prevail in court.

What you can do to avoid the eviction process altogether

Notice of Eviction file stamp on a beige color doorYou have to remember that placing a good tenant in your house means you will not ever have to evict. To do that, you must do a thorough background check on anyone who wants to rent your property. If you thoroughly screen a tenant, you’ll usually never have to face an eviction issue. However, it might be too late for that.

What to do when your tenant isn’t paying rent

Perhaps you have a tenant in your property who is not paying rent and you’d like to explore alternatives to going through the courts to evict.

Persuade that tenant to leave

Approach the tenant in a very calm, non-emotional and non-threatening manner and explain the situation you are in. You can tell your tenant in a matter-of-fact way, that on Monday, since rent has not been paid, you are going to have to file an eviction.

Explain to the tenant that the eviction will be part of his or her permanent rental record, making it hard to rent a home again in the future. Remind the tenant that the judgment you receive from the court will also be on the tenant’s credit report for the next seven to 10 years. Tell the tenant that if he moves out over the weekend, before you are forced to file the eviction, the whole process can be avoided.

If you approach your tenants with this alternative, they might agree to move.

At Hoffman Realty, we usually have them sign an agreement to vacate, stating the terms and the day they will move out. That’s usually all we need to do. Sometimes, you might feel like it is necessary to provide an extra incentive. If we must, we give them money to leave (cash for keys). That money will be less than the cost of the eviction. Think of it as an investment that will save you money and a lot more time.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at Hoffman Realty with any questions about how to evict your tenants in Tampa.

How To Evict A Tenant Series

1. How To Evict Tenants
2. Prepare for the Eviction
3. Filing the Eviction in Court
4. After You Prevail in Court