More than 100 million Americans rent their homes. And it’s estimated that approximately one million individuals are evicted each year.
As a landlord, you have the ability to evict your tenants, but you must have a lawful reason to do so.
5 Reasons You Can Lawfully Evict a Tenant
You can’t evict a tenant simply because they made you angry or due to discrimination. You must have a lawful reason, such as the ones below, to evict a current tenant.
1. Illegal Property Usage
If the tenant is using your property for illegal use, you can likely evict. For example, the tenant might be using your property for business purposes, when it’s strictly for residential use. On the other hand, tenants who have used your property as a place to distribute illegal substances can also be lawfully evicted.
2. Safety Concerns
You can also lawfully evict a tenant if your property has a safety issue that must be fixed or a health concern that can be damaging to the tenant. For example, structural concerns or faulty wiring can be reasons that eviction is required for the safety of those who live on the property.
3. Intention to Withdraw Property From the Market
If you’re planning to withdraw your property from the market, you can most likely lawfully evict. In Texas, landlords are required to give tenants who pay month-to-month rent a 30-day notice to move. But, if the tenant is on a fixed-term payment, the landlord must wait until the end of the term to evict.
4. Rent Nonpayment
A tenant who refuses to pay their rent can be evicted without question. In Texas, if a landlord is terminating the rental agreement with cause, they must give the tenant a three-day notice to vacate the property. This can be done without offering the tenant the option to pay the past due rent.
5. Violation of Lease
Does your tenant have a pet even though your rental agreement states they can’t? This is considered a violation of lease and eviction is now an option for you. Other similar violations include unapproved occupants, nuisance complaints and even property damage.
Ready to Move Forward With the Eviction Process?
As a landlord, it’s important to consider reaching out to a professional attorney who can guide you in the next steps to take. Your tenant has the ability to fight the eviction, resulting in a detailed legal process for you. To learn more about the eviction process, send us a message.
