Owning a McDonough rental property certainly has its advantages. But there are also some challenges that keep area landlords and property owners on their toes. Asking anyone in the business, you’ll hear the same response – evicting tenants may be the worst part of the journey. If you’re considering taking the next steps to move toward an eviction of one of your tenants, here are a few tips and suggestions to help ensure you’re able to avoid any unnecessary trouble. It can be a challenging proposition, but there are best practices for handling evictions.
Know the Laws & Applicable Rights
The first rule of avoiding trouble when handling evictions is making sure you’re not taking any illegal steps during an eviction. Be knowledgeable about state and McDonough area laws and rental regulations so that you can keep in line with industry requirements. Georgia laws can be strict. Landlords and property owners need to follow these guidelines to the letter to avoid costly repercussions. Steps should include adhering to ample notice and specified communication timelines. Efforts should include notices in writing that outline your plans to pursue eviction and any potential violations leading to your decision. Before you begin the steps to evict a tenant, you’ll want to follow up on the latest COVID-19 related guidelines regarding potential eviction moratoriums. Many of the policies and procedures have shifted this year due to the pandemic. Knowing your eviction legal rights before you start can help ensure you’re avoiding unnecessary trouble.
A Predictable Path to Eviction
Avoid problems when handling evictions by eliminating any elements of surprise with your tenants. Consider having a clear, outlined policy in place from the point of signing the lease agreement. You will want all of your renters to be able to know and predict with 100% certainty what missteps will lead to eviction. When they know it’s coming, they are less likely to object. Of course, it’s never a pleasant moment, and it doesn’t guarantee that they’ll leave quietly. But when they understand the rules and can be presented with a thorough paper trail of communications and violations, they have fewer objections they can make.
Be Flexible for Negotiation
There is a cost to evicting tenants from your McDonough rental property. You will want to weigh those costs and compare them with potential solutions and negotiations. For example, your renter may be falling behind on rent due to being furloughed from a job. If the communications are positive and there is the hope of your tenant going back to work, it may be more cost-effective for you to negotiate a partial payment type plan now instead of eviction. These are hard times for many Georgians, and your ability to be flexible might mean taking a financial hit now. But seeing that renter through this hardship may cost less than having a vacancy in the end.
Don’t Be Afraid to Partner Up
You don’t have to face evictions with your McDonough rental property tenants alone. If you anticipate an emotionally charged confrontation, you can always contact the local authorities and ask for an escort. Having a local police officer present can help diffuse a situation or prevent things from escalating. Handling evictions is another reason to also consider partnering with a rental property manager. Having a neutral, third-party professional handling the eviction process can create an added layer of support to your efforts.
Be rational, professional, calm, and objective with your tone and communication. And if you’re still unsure, contact us! Our professionals are experts at handling evictions from start to finish. Your McDonough rental property will occasionally present challenges that we’re uniquely equipped to manage.
