5 Steps To Evict Troubled Tenants In Los Angeles

 If you’re a landlord, or you own several properties that you rent out, you will probably run into a case where you have to evict a tenant at least once in your life. Maybe your tenants refuse to take care of your property, and are causing serious damage. Perhaps they are causing disturbances to neighbors, or are behind on their rent payments. 5 steps to evict troubled tenants in Los Angeles.

Whatever the reason may be, it may be difficult to evict them. Eviction can be a complex process in California, and you’ll need to make sure you understand the process before you try to evict a troubled tenant.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 steps on how to evict troubled tenants (Los Angeles). With this article, you’ll be able to understand the process, and manage the eviction without too much paperwork, or too many headaches. Let’s get started now.

1.Make Sure You Have Legal Grounds For Eviction – Before You Send Any Notice

In California, there are several different grounds for eviction. Here are the primary ones:

• Failing to pay rent on time
• Breaking the lease or rental agreement, without being willing to remedy the problem (too many people living in one house, pets present when they are not allowed, etc.)
• Damaging the property and bringing down its value (committing “waste)
• Being a serious nuisance, disturbing other tenants and neighbors, continuing this pattern of behavior when asked to stop
• Using the property to do something illegal

Be prepared with documentation and proof of whatever you are evicting your tenant for. For example, if they are keeping pets when they are not allowed, try to get a picture of them walking a dog, or evidence of pet hair. This will be useful if you must take your case to court.

2. Give Notice To The Tenant

To begin eviction proceedings, you have to give client notice. For a correctable violation, such as having a pet when no pets are allowed, you can give them a minimum of 3 days notice.

If a client has a month-to-month lease, they may have a notice period of 30 days if they have lived there for under a year, and 60 days if they have lived in your property for longer than a year.

If rent is past due, the notice must spell out how much is due, how to pay it, and an unequivocal demand for repossession of property if the rent is not paid by the due date. It must also have the date of the notice, and the landlord’s signature.

You must “serve” this notice, for it to be valid. You can either personally deliver it to the tenant, or leave it with a person over the age of 18 at their residence or place of business, while mailing another copy directly to the tenant.

3. Wait Until The End Of The Period Specified In The Notice Letter

 There’s a very good chance that, when confronted with eviction, your tenant will take steps to remedy their problems. They may pay their rent, or stop causing trouble – thereby remedying the situation. Or, they may move out without complaint. These are both ideal situations for landlords.

Wait until the period specified in your notice letter ends. Then, if the tenant still refuses to leave your property, or take steps to remedy the action that caused you to issue an eviction notice, it’s time to take legal action.

 4. File An Unlawful Detainer Complaint

 Go to your local courthouse to file an Unlawful Detainer Complaint. You may file a suit to evict the tenant once the time period established in your notice has expired.

Upon successful filing, the court will issue a summons to the tenant named, and they must respond within 5 days. They must then move out within 5 days. They can also file a motion attacking your method of service, the sufficiency of the notice, or deny the allegations against them. Be prepared to fight.

5. Go To Court

 If your tenant has still not vacated the property, you have the right to request a court date from a courthouse clerk. This will usually be set 10-20 days from the filing. On your court date, you will want to bring all of the evidence that you have collected about the tenant’s violation.

You will want to bring a copy of your lease agreement, warnings of violation, copies of police reports, any notices you have sent to your tenant, and all other relevant and applicable information. Usually, proceedings will only take about half an hour.

If your tenant plans on defending themselves or denying allegations, you could consider hiring legal counsel, or seek legal advice from an eviction clinic.

When the court finds in your favor, the sheriff will issue a “5-day notice to vacate” notice on the property. If the tenant still has not moved out, a lock will be placed on the door after these 5 days. You may or may not be responsible for giving the tenant their remaining property in this case – research your local ordinances and regulations, or ask a court clerk.

Cash Sales – Get Rid Of Property After Eviction – Fast!

 If you evict a tenant, and your property is damaged or you do not wish to rent it any longer, you may wonder what your choices are. In these circumstances, the best way to get rid of your property fast is with a cash sale.

You may also be able to sell your property while your tenant still lives in it, as long as they are allowed to keep living there after the sale.

There are many companies in Los Angeles specializing in cash sales. These companies buy houses of all conditions – usually within just a few days of making an offer. If you need to get rid of a property fast post-eviction, this is a great choice.

Get Rid Of Troubled Tenants With This Step-By-Step Guide

If you are trying to get rid of a tenant that breaks your lease terms, does not pay rent, or is conducting illegal activities in your property, this guide is a good place to start.

Make sure that you research all applicable laws in Los Angeles, and if you must go to court, consider hiring professional legal counsel. Though your court battle may be prolonged, you are sure to win if you are trying to evict your tenants with reasonable cause.

Max Cash Home Offers offers instant cash offers on houses nationwide. We do not provide legal or financial advice. For information on foreclosure, eviction or any other legal situation make sure you contact a local attorney.