There are times when it may be necessary and appropriate for a Florida landlord to remove a tenant from a rental property, but there are laws regarding how and when that can happen. Eviction is the process of legally removing a tenant, and a Florida landlord will find it helpful to understand how this process works. In specific circumstances that require action, a landlord can do this without violating tenant rights by following the right steps.
Reasons for eviction
While a tenant may not own the property where he or she is living, that individual still has rights. Landlords cannot simply decide to remove a tenant without cause if the lease or contract is still valid. Common, legitimate reasons for eviction may include:
- The tenant will not leave after the lease is over.
- The tenant is behind on rent.
- The landlord canceled the lease.
To initiate the eviction process, the landlord will file a complaint with the local court. Once approved, the renter will be served with court documents. He or she could decide to seek a jury trial or address the problem. If there is no resolution within a reasonable timeperiod, a formal court process can begin.
Protecting property rights
Landlords may take whatever steps are appropriate to protect their property rights. This may include initiating the eviction process. Before taking legal action, it will be helpful to discuss options with an experienced Florida real estate attorney to learn how to lawfully remove a tenant from rented property in an appropriate and lawful manner.
