In 2023, Charlotte had over 10,000 eviction filings.
Eviction is one of the most stressful things landlords have to do. It's a long process that costs a lot of time and money, in addition to the uncomfortable atmosphere it creates. That said, it's something you have to do if a tenant is putting your property at risk.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid having to evict a tenant and to protect yourself if it must happen. Today, we'll tell you how to create an eviction protection plan that works for you, so keep reading and get informed with our easy guide.
The Best Type of Eviction Protection is Prevention
There are a number of ways to prevent eviction and deter poor tenant behavior. The most important thing any landlord can do, for instance, is develop a strong tenant screening process.
Tenant screening involves looking into an applicant's criminal, financial, and personal background. Doing so helps you determine if the person is the right fit for your rental.
Criminal background checks tell you if the applicant has had any concerning criminal history. Credit checks tell you more about their financial standing over time. Personal reference checks tell you more about an applicant's character.
Together, these things indicate if the person is a good character fit for your rental and if they'll afford monthly rent.
Understanding North Carolina's Eviction Laws
Even if you've done tenant screening and you're sure you've got a good tenant, it's important to prepare for eviction. Understanding North Carolina's laws around eviction is crucial to your ability to carry one out lawfully.
Eviction protection laws are designed to shield tenants from losing their homes. That said, when a tenant abuses your lease agreement, you may have grounds to take action.
When the tenant fails to pay rent, you send them a 10-day notice to pay before you file the eviction. Violations having to do with lease violations don't require a notice before eviction filing.
Under no circumstances can a Charlotte landlord attempt an unlawful, "self-help" eviction. Doing so can result in serious penalties and fines.
Proceeding with an Eviction
After you've served your tenant, you can go to the local court to file your eviction. Both parties will be given a hearing date to present their case. If your tenant decides to fight the eviction, you'll need to present evidence of their wrongdoing.
A successful eviction case will end with your tenant being given a date that they must vacate the property. If they fail to do so, they can be forcibly removed by the local authorities.
Property Management and Eviction Protection
These tips can help you avoid and deal with evictions. If you really want to remain protected, hiring a property management service that offers eviction protection is your best bet.
When you opt for these services, your property manager will handle every aspect of the eviction and compensate you for any financial losses throughout the process.
To get the best property management services in Charlotte, PMI Amazing Spaces is your best bet. Our comprehensive services can help with everything from tenant screening to eviction protection. Click to know more!
