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Evictions are a costly and time-consuming process that no landlord or tenant wants to experience, but sometimes they're a necessary evil. This leaves landlords asking, 'Can I get a tenant to leave voluntarily to avoid the hassle of a court-ordered eviction?"
There are ways to get tenants to leave your rental unit without using illegal force or underhanded measures. Read on to explore more questions and alternatives to tenant eviction to save you time and money.
What Are the NY Tenant-Landlord Laws for Eviction?
Sometimes landlords choose to evict tenants unfairly, so there are comprehensive tenant-landlord laws about how to go about this process. In New York, the only legal grounds for lease termination include significant breaches of the rental agreement, such as:
- Non-payment of rent
- Causing a disturbance
- Damaging the rental unit
- Criminal activity
If your tenant complies with the lease, there's no logical reason to evict them, unless getting them to move out serves your interests. For instance, you want to convert your property into a short-term rental or have a friend or family member who needs to occupy it.
In these cases, it's best to ask the tenant to move out and offer as much tenant relocation assistance as possible. Unlawful evictions can have serious consequences for the landlord.
How Can I Get a Tenant to Leave Voluntarily?
When you want your tenant to leave your unit due to lease violations or because their departure serves your needs, there are a few ways you can convince them to depart voluntarily. The following strategies usually work best when you want to avoid the lengthy eviction process:
Communicate With Your Tenants
Maintaining a calm, professional demeanor when you want tenants to leave voluntarily can smooth the process and limit the stress involved. Sometimes explaining the situation to your tenants is enough to get them to comply.
They might already be looking for alternative accommodation or have plans to relocate. Asking them to move out could help them expedite their plans.
Offer Incentives
Offering a 'cash for keys' incentive is a good way to get your tenants to leave quickly. It's a simple process that involves offering them cash in exchange for an early departure or to help you both avoid a stressful eviction.
They can use this money to relocate or as a deposit on alternative rental accommodation. Most tenants will agree to this incentive rather than face having an eviction noted on their record.
This incentive is particularly attractive for tenants who are behind on their rent payments.
More Solutions for Landlord Problems
Tenant screening and eviction protection plans can help you avoid evictions, but there are other ways around this unpleasant situation.
Veno Properties is a leading property management firm serving Saratoga Springs, NY. We are committed to offering great value services to our landlords and tenants to ensure hassle-free interactions at every stage.
We are your go-to for questions like, "Can I get a tenant to leave voluntarily?" and more. Get solutions for your property management problems here.
