This is the first post in a series of articles which will provide information for landlords who wish to evict a tenant in Melbourne or other Florida areas. I have decided to write on this topic as, for understandable reasons, many landlords are unsure as to how they should proceed when it comes to handling problematic tenants. Failing to take immediate action can result in a landlord going longer without receiving rent and in unnecessary damage to a property. I am writing these articles, therefore, with the goal of providing information which will help people to better understand their situation. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of an attorney. If you are a property owner in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing multiple topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will be analyzing include the following:
- The process of evicting tenants in our area
- How long it may take to complete an eviction
- Evicting a tenant for the non-payment of rent
- Evicting a tenant when with no lease or after a lease has expired
I am writing on these particular topics for multiple reasons. First, some landlords are unsure of the process they must follow when it comes to removing someone from their property. Failing to follow proper procedures can result in the tenant being allowed to stay. In some situations, they may even be able to take legal action against the landlord. Second, understanding how long the process may take is critical to managing one’s expectations. Third, the non-payment of rent tends to be the most common reason for an eviction. Finally, if a tenant has no written lease, or their lease has expired, the landlord must still go through the eviction process. They cannot simply evict the tenant at their own will.
A key point I will be making in each of these article is that Florida landlords should retain an attorney to assist them with eviction-related issues. Engaging in “self-help,” such as changing the locks or trying to forcibly remove the tenant, can result in penalties and civil liability against the landlord. By having counsel, you help to ensure that the matter is handled correctly. As a Melbourne eviction lawyer, I am able to assist with such matters. Contact my office online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation. We also serve those in the areas of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.