Evictions are springing up throughout Saratoga Springs. Landlords across the United States file 3.6 million eviction cases every year, including dozens of cases in Saratoga Springs.
These statistics may make you believe that the eviction process is easy. In reality, it can take a lot of time and money, and there is no guarantee that you can remove a tenant. You must understand a few landlord tips to make the most of your efforts.
Who should you speak with before you start the tenant eviction process? What paperwork should you prepare? When can you start looking for other tenants?
Answer these questions and you can create a smooth yet respectful eviction process. Here is your quick guide.
Talk to a Lawyer
It is a lot easier to handle evictions when you have legal help. A lawyer can advise you on what landlord-tenant laws you need to follow and how you can file documents with the eviction court. If your tenant decides to sue you, your lawyer can represent you in court.
Get in touch with someone in your local area with experience in housing law. Bring a copy of New York's residential tenants' rights guide and go over it with your attorney. Do not tell your tenant you are talking to a lawyer, as you risk escalating the situation.
Get in Touch With Your Tenant
Even if you are planning to evict tenants, you need to contact them. At a minimum, you need to serve them with a pay-rent-or-quit notice.
But you can also try to end the situation before you go to court. You can waive late fees or offer to cover your tenant's moving fees if they agree to move out before a deadline. You can also give your tenant the information of other landlords in the area so they know where they can move to.
Go to Your Court Hearing
After you file documents with the court, a judge will schedule a hearing so they can hear from you and your tenant. You must go to this hearing in order to win your case. If you go and your tenant doesn't, the judge may automatically rule in your favor.
Bring essential documents, including a copy of your lease and any payment records you have. Be prepared to answer questions about your practices as a landlord and your tenant's behavior.
Regain Your Property
If your judge rules in your favor, you can remove your tenant from the property. Ask someone from the sheriff's office to give your tenant an eviction notice so you don't have to interact with them.
Do not remove any of your tenant's belongings or lock them out of the property. You can start informal property marketing, but do not list your property until they have moved out.
Manage Your Evictions Correctly
Evictions are always a headache, but you can decrease the pain through a few simple steps. Talk to a lawyer so you have a complete understanding of your tenant's rights. Tell your tenant about when the eviction process is starting.
Schedule a hearing with a judge and bring all of your essential documents to it. After you win your case, you can then start the process of removing your tenant. Wait until then to market your property.
If you're ever stuck, turn to property managers for support. Veno Properties serves the New York Capital Region. Contact us today.
