Seven Mistakes Landlords Make When Evicting Tenants

1

Procrastination

The eviction process takes time, one of the most costly mistakes a landlord can make is waiting too long.

From the time you file for an eviction, it may be months before your hearing. Even then serial tenants (the

worst of the worst), know how to play the system for months on end to delay being evicted. Start the

process as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.

Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

2

“Self-Help Eviction”

Another mistake that can cost you is known as “self-help eviction”. This is when you take matters into

your own hands instead of going through the proper legal procedure. You may own the property, but

when a lease is signed, the tenant is protected under a tenancy act (differing by province/state) which

protects the tenant.

It’s best to take proper action in accordance with the law. If you choose not to, you may be liable for

damages and you may even owe money to the tenant. Self-help evictions are illegal and may delay

things even longer.

Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

3

Deficient Reason for Notice

Most states and provinces require you to give proper notice that clearly states the reason for the

eviction. After waiting the required time-frame and the issues have not been corrected by the tenant, you

can start the eviction process.

Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

4

No Lawyer

This is a big one. 60% of landlords fill out an eviction notice incorrectly. This could mean months of delay

in the eviction process. Not having professional legal help can be detrimental to your case and your

reputation. Eviction professionals aren’t free but they often offer a reduced rate due to how brief these

proceedings usually are. Never represent yourself. There is a much higher chance that the judge will rule

in the tenant’s favor if you do.

Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

5

Lack of Evidence

As with any court case, you have to provide the judge with enough evidence to get a ruling in your favor.

Always be ready, take photos, prepare appropriate documents and rehearse what you’re going to say.

Confidence and evidence are key to legally and successfully evict a tenant.

Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

6

Illegal Entry

Illegal Entry Do not try and enter a tenant’s home unless the tenant has abandoned and you’ve made all

reasonable attempts to make contact, and you’ve waited the appropriate time frame required by law

(often 24 hours with written notice). This also applies in the case that a judge ruled in your favor and

provided you with instructions on how to proceed with the eviction.

If you try to unlawfully enter a tenant’s home, the situation can get heated. It is your tenant’s home after

all. This is why the landlord should leave it up to law enforcement to be bearers of bad news. The

property owner should never take part in this process.

Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

7

Shutting Off Utilities

Never try to intimidate or corner a tenant into paying rent. Even if a tenant is behind on rent, you do not

have legal ground to shut off heat, water or any other utilities. This is your tenant’s home and they can

take legal action against you.

You don’t want to end up owing a tenant money on top of the months of lost rent. You may even end up

with a civil suit on your hands. Shutting off utilities is never the answer. Always take legal action instead.

Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

That’s why it’s important to land good tenants from the START.

Zora helps landlords land and keep great tenants by giving them

a quantifiable tenant score and a set of tools to streamline the

most tedious tasks in renting.

Try Zora for FREE at www.zora.io