How do you properly evict a tenant when they are destroying your property as they are living there? inLasVegas

Question

Our last tenant, who just moved out, destroyed the property. We have to replace almost everything because of their excessive “wear & tear”. We do have a security deposit and will deal with her for the overage, but would like to avoid this from happening again. However, we don’t know what the proper eviction process would be. Can we just include something in the lease that states that we will conduct quarterly walk-throughs, and if the property does not look in satisfactory condition we can evict them? If so, what type of eviction notice? 5-day, 3-day, 30-day notice? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

As a landlord you have an obligation to know the law as it pertains to you.  Get a copy of your state's landlord/tenant law in the reference section of your local library and memorize it.  The procedure for eviction is carefully spelled out.  If you continue to have questions seek advice from a local attorney who specializes in landlord/tenant law.  You cannot just make it up as you go along.

Answer 2

One way to keep an eye on your property is to do your own minor repairs and seasonal things.

I would show up in the fall to check the furnace and show the tenants how to change filters, in the spring to do weed control, in the summer to test and service the AC ... and they for the most part loved the attention.

But you have to follow the Nevada law to the letter for lease violations and evicting, including giving them timeto correct the situaiton.

As for the tenants you are discussing: take them to court for the excessive damages. Before and after pictures, receipts for the things they broke to prove when and how much you paid for them, repair bills ... you need solid proof.

Then if you get a judgement, record itand it sits on their credit record like a big UGLY wart.

Answer 3

Properly screening potential tenants is key to make sure you get good people in from the start.  There are some good articles on this topic here

http://weblogfor.us/renting-your-propert...

http://weblogfor.us/tenant-screening-the...

Walk throughs are good to make sure that things are being kept up on.  As for the notice, that is something that depoends on your state.

good Luck!

Answer 4

Most leases provide reasonable inspection by landlord upon advance notice of 24 hours.  Doing quarterly inspections wouldn't require any addition to lease, but you can certainly insert a clause. Doing regular inspections is a good way to find out if there are any problems needing attention.

READ the lease.  It sets out what is required of landlords and tenants.  Merely not keeping premises clean wouldn't be cause for eviction, unless it has caused major rodent infestation.  AND, generally, you have to give them notice of problem and time to remedy it first.  READ the lease.

Number one rule of landlords is to BE Fair, but it doesn't pay to be nice.  Don't give them extra time to pay security deposit, don't let them pay half the rent without charging late fee.  Enforce the lease, exactly.   Document condition of premises before tenant moves in and when they move out.