Florida ranks second in the nation for moves associated with evictions and foreclosure.
If you're a Jacksonville investment property owner, getting to the point of eviction with a tenant is a worst-case scenario. That said, you can't let a bad tenant ruin what could be an excellent rental property.
In today's post, we'll help you navigate the eviction process. These are complicated legal matters, so keep reading and you'll be able to promptly rid yourself of bad tenants to make room for better ones.
Florida Eviction Laws
When attempting an eviction in Florida, the first thing you need to do is gain an understanding of the state's eviction laws. Failing to follow due process with an eviction can lengthen the process and, in the worst scenarios, jeopardize the eviction entirely.
In Florida, you can evict a tenant if they fail to pay rent, break the lease agreement, or damage your property. You must also give the tenant the right type of notice to begin the eviction.
For missed rent, it's a 3-day pay or quit notice. For lease violations, it's a 7-day cure or quit, which gives them a chance to rectify their misdeeds. An irreconcilable violation is served with an unconditional 7-day quit notice.
Exhaust All Options
Before you serve your tenant an eviction notice, you should attempt to reason with them. Not only will this give your tenant a chance to fix their issues, but it'll show both the tenant and the eviction court that you attempted to be lenient before filing the eviction.
Everyone falls on hard times, and people make mistakes. If they show little remorse for these misdeeds or continue to make the same mistakes over and over, you're within your rights to take the next step towards eviction.
Sending Your Eviction Notice
When you give your tenant the eviction notice, they're allowed the time stated on the notice to get their act together. When they fail to do so, the next step is to officially file the eviction with your local court.
Upon filing, both you and the tenant will be given a court date. Here, each party is given the chance to state their case and a ruling will be handed down.
Preparing for Court
In preparation for the court date, it's wise to assume that your tenant is going to fight your claims. For that reason, you should prepare for court by gathering as much evidence to support their delinquency as you can.
This may include financial statements, photographs of property damage or evidence of illegal activity, and correspondence with the tenant. If you're prepared, an eviction case can be cut and dry.
If you're successful, the court will issue a writ of removal to the tenant. They'll have to vacate the property by a certain date. If they refuse to do so, they'll be forcibly removed by the authorities.
Property Management Can Help with Evictions
Even when you're in the right and the eviction goes smoothly, it can be an exhausting process for a landlord. To avoid evictions in the first place, hire a property manager.
At Nest Finders, we can deal with the eviction process for you and help you get the best tenants with our tenant screening practices. To learn more about our services, contact us today.
