In recent years, it wasn't just disease and job loss that made up people's biggest fears. It was the very real threat of losing their homes.
Eviction is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows landlords to get troublesome tenants out of their property when other methods have failed. On the other, it has driven many good people to homelessness.
Tenants do have one ace up their sleeve, though eviction protection. What is it, and how does it affect the eviction process for landlords?
Read on as we discuss this important component of eviction laws in Littleton, Colorado.
What Is Eviction Protection?
In essence, eviction protection prevents a landlord from removing reliable tenants from the premises without good reason. It's a good thing at its core, but it can be abused in some situations.
Without it, landlords could remove tenants for any reason under the sun. For example, an attempt to free up the property in line with changing investment goals. The landlord might be doing this not out of ill will but out of business sense.
Eviction protection doesn't mean you can't evict a tenant. Rather, it forces you to go through a legal process that takes longer. Long story short, do not try to evict a tenant just because you don't get along with them!
What Are Valid Reasons to Evict Tenants?
You can't evict a tenant just because you don't like them. You have to have a valid reason, such as the following:
- They fail to pay rent
- They cause serious property damage
- They conduct illegal activity
- They break the lease agreement
Otherwise, you have no legal right to evict a tenant. Unless a tenant is doing one of the above, your only other option is to not renew their lease. It wouldn't be fair to reliable tenants to have to move out with only a month's notice.
How to Prepare an Eviction
Assuming you have a legitimate reason for eviction, it's a pretty straightforward process, even for a first-time landlord.
First, you must serve them an eviction notice. This is a legal document that says they have 30 days to vacate the premises. Should they fail to do so, you will take legal action.
If the reason for eviction is a valid one, then you can get the power of the courts behind you. A judge will look over your case and decide whether eviction is the right response. If it is, then they will authorize the sheriff to remove unlawful tenants from the premises.
At no point can you interfere with the process. You cannot change the locks on the property to keep tenants out or turn off their utilities. You can't antagonize, harass, or threaten them to get them to leave.
Manage Properties with PMI
Eviction protection is meant to protect tenants from landlords who might otherwise take advantage of them. However, some tenants may abuse it to stay in your property after breaking the rules. In that case, you would need to initiate a legal eviction through the court system.
PMI Little Town helps Colorado landlords manage their properties with professional care. Start your journey with us by using our free rental analysis service.
