In the Phoenix area, there were around 18,000 evictions filed in the first three months of 2022.
This number may come as a shock to you and it may even make you nervous about your rental property. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of eviction, but you need to know what to do if it comes to that.
In Arizona, there are specific regulations you must follow. This guide will offer insight into the legal proceedings that you must adhere to as a landlord.
Continue reading below so you're prepared for the worst.
Understanding the Law: Evictions
You'll need to spend time researching and familiarizing yourself with the landlord-tenant laws. You and your tenants have rights and responsibilities. The law will outline exactly what these rights are and what you have to do to remove someone from your property.
It's important that you also reread the lease agreement. It should clearly outline the terms and conditions.
A well-drafted lease is the foundation of your relationship with your tenants. It can help minimize issues and may even keep you from having to go through the court.
You must provide written notice to your tenants. This should state which lease terms they've broken. The eviction notice should also give them a reasonable amount of time to remedy the situation.
Legal Reasons for Eviction
There are several reasons why you can start the eviction process. One of the most common reasons is for non-payment of rent.
You'll need to send a notice and give them time to make the payment. During this time, you can charge a late fee. If they don't pay, you can evict them.
Lease violations are also valid reasons for evictions. Illegal activities or unauthorized pets would constitute an eviction.
If your tenants have significantly damaged your property, you can also justify an eviction. You should document all the damage. You'll need to provide them with a list of repairs that need to be done.
Starting the Process
After you've given your tenants notice and time to fix the issue, if they don't make changes, you'll initiate the eviction process. You'll file a complaint with the court and serve official legal documents to your renters.
You'll get a court date and you'll need to be present. This is where you'll find out if the court rules in your favor or not.
It's not uncommon for tenants to refuse to leave even after the court has made their decision. This is when local law enforcement comes to help.
It's important to know that the eviction process can take weeks or even months. It can be costly and time-consuming.
Navigating the Eviction Process
Evicting a tenant is not ideal, but it is necessary at times. While it's best to avoid it if possible, knowing the steps to take will make the process easier and more manageable.
Having a dedicated management team backing, you will also help streamline the eviction. Here at Real Property Management, we've helped hundreds of investors. Our team knows the law and how to assist you with your evictions.
Don't go through this complex process alone. Get in touch with us today!
