You have decided not to renew a single tenant's lease for any amount of reasons (late rent, noise complaints). Immediately after notifying them that they must be out by the 31st, they stop returning your calls and are very cold when you do see them.
You never hear from them again, but you stop by at 5pm on the 31st to check if they clean up the apartment only to find them still living there. Now what do you do? I have some ideas on "Now What?", but let's first discover what you should have done prior to sacrifice your risks of the "Now What?".
Rent A Home Of The Triad Complaints
Prior to telling the tenant you are not renewing their lease:
1. Tour the apartment looking for any work that may need to be done and to confirm the current condition of the unit. Try to unblemished any repairs prior to the old tenant lively out to save time.
2. Talk with the tenant informally about their plans to renew the lease. Do they need a bigger space or less expensive? See if just a little coaxing could get them to move on their own.
How to wise up the tenant you are not renewing their lease:
1. First talk to the tenant in person. Although this is more intimidating, it is also less formal and may be received better. Then effect up the conversation with a letter for documentation.
2. Give them at least 61 days notice. This should work in most states and will give the tenant ample time to find a exchange apartment.
3. Call back every week or so to confirm they are looking for a new apartment. If they don't write back the phone, stop by. If they won't write back the door, start preparing for the "Now What?".
Preparing for the "Now What?"
1. Talk to them immediately. Use your best negotiation skills.
2. If they will talk to you, see if you can bribe them to move by contribution them cash for a lively truck.
3. If they owe you money prior to the move-out date, think an eviction process to insure they are going to be out. You can also threaten to evict them if they are not out on time.
4. If you see this problem coming, do not lease the apartment for the month immediately after as you could put yourself in a bind with the new tenant having no where to go.
5. Explore how to evict a "Hold Over" tenant in your state.
6. If the tenant receives public assistance for their rent, contact their coordinator and see if they can furnish any leverage to get the tenant to move.
The morning after they didn't move out
1. Understand the ownership of the tenant and do not cross the line as you could be liable for a lawsuit if you try to force them out illegally.
2. Put your "Hold Over" tenant eviction plan into action. wise up the tenant that you are taking legal steps to take off them.
Having a tenant refuse to vacate the apartment once their lease expires can be a difficult event. There are many twists and turns in this drama. By being ready as early in the process as inherent with good contingencies, you should be able to avoid the "Now What?".
What To Do When Tenants Won't Leave Your investment asset