As a landlord, dealing with problem tenants is one of the biggest headaches you can face. From late rent payments to property damage to constant disputes with neighbors, an unruly tenant can quickly turn your investment property into a nightmare.
While you may hope the situation resolves itself, there comes a point when it’s time to take legal action through the eviction process. However, evictions are complex legal proceedings that require strict adherence to state laws.
That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced eviction attorney by your side. Here are some of the major red flags that signal you need to call Manning & Meyers for professional eviction attorney services.
Late or Unpaid Rent
One of the most obvious reasons to initiate an eviction is when a tenant fails to pay rent on time or at all. While an occasional late payment may be understandable, a pattern of chronic late payments or skipping rent entirely violates the lease agreement and is something you as a landlord can’t afford to tolerate.
Unpaid rent represents a direct financial loss and puts strain on your ability to pay the mortgage. At this point, you need a reliable renter, and eviction is a necessary course of action.
Property Damage
As the property owner, you expect your investment to be treated respectfully. But some tenants show blatant disregard and cause significant, sometimes intentional property damage far exceeding normal wear and tear.
Kicking holes in walls, staining carpets, and removing appliances are all destructive behaviors that provide grounds to remove the tenant with an eviction and seek compensation.
Emergency Eviction Due to Foreclosure
If you’re facing foreclosure on the rental property, you may need to pursue an expedited eviction to remove tenants before the bank takes possession of the home. During the foreclosure process, you have the legal right as the current owner to evict before the property transfers to new ownership.
Lease Violations
Rental agreements lay out clear rules that tenants must abide by as a condition of their residency. If a tenant blatantly violates terms like exceeding occupancy limits, keeping unauthorized pets, using the property for illegal purposes like operating a business out of the home or disturbing neighbors with excessive noise, those violations can justify terminating the lease.
Constant Disputes with Neighbors
While occasional neighborly squabbles are inevitable, some tenants simply can’t get along and generate a constant stream of grievances and complaints from surrounding residents. If your attempts to resolve the conflicts fall on deaf ears, eviction may be the only way to keep the peace in the community.
Why Hire an Eviction Lawyer?
The eviction process involves a series of required legal actions, starting with properly delivering a written eviction notice that adheres to all local and state specifications. If the tenant fails to voluntarily vacate after receiving notice, the next step is filing an official eviction lawsuit in court.
At this stage, tenants have opportunities to respond and dispute the eviction attempt. An eviction lawyer understands all the rules around permissible legal reasons for eviction, proper evidence submission, and procedures for successful court judgments.
Even after winning an eviction ruling, landlords still need to officially execute a Writ of Possession to physically remove the tenant if they refuse to leave willingly.
Attempting any kind of “self-help” eviction, like changing locks or removing the tenant’s belongings, is illegal and can open landlords up to penalties and even criminal charges. An eviction attorney ensures the book carries out the judgment.
Manning & Meyers Helps Achieve Dallas Evictions
The average eviction process in Texas takes around three weeks to complete from start to finish. While that may seem quick, three weeks can feel like an eternity for landlords dealing with nightmare tenants.
The eviction lawyers of Manning & Meyers thoroughly understand the eviction process and know which legal maneuvers can help accelerate this timeline.
With decades of combined experience, our attorneys have facilitated successful evictions across Dallas and the surrounding areas. Our deep expertise in handling all complex issues that can arise helps create an airtight eviction process and prevents future complications for the landlords we serve.
When you hire the attorneys of Manning & Meyers to facilitate the eviction process, we bring the legal guidance you need to the table:
- Provide tenants with the proper pre-petition eviction notice that accurately lays out lease violations or other legal grounds for termination of tenancy
- Prepare and file precise eviction lawsuits and complaints with the appropriate court jurisdiction
- Advocate persuasively on your behalf to secure favorable rulings if cases go to trial
- Coordinate with law enforcement to legally execute Writs of Possession for removing tenants and their belongings from the premises
- Help you update lease agreements with customized terms to mitigate future issues with problem tenants
Need to Start the Eviction Process? Manning & Meyers Can Help
Don’t let problem tenants wreak further havoc on your investment. If you’re facing any of the red flags listed above, it’s time to call the eviction attorneys at Manning & Meyers for a free consultation.
With our expertise guiding your next steps, you can navigate the eviction process with confidence while minimizing potential delays. Protect your property and income stream by getting disruptive tenants out quickly and legally. Contact us today!