This article originally appeared on Zillow
There it is: the dreaded eviction notice, taped not-so-subtly across the front door of your home. Getting an eviction notice may seem like the end of the world at first, but renters do have tenant rights that can help resolve the issue or change the landlord’s decision. Unfortunately, not every eviction is avoidable: Landlords have rights, too, and obligations to uphold the value of the property and the safety of all other tenants.
Here’s a look at what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to the eviction process.
Lawful reasons for eviction
When you first moved in, you (hopefully) signed a lease agreement with the landlord. At a minimum, the lease should contain the payment terms and effective lease dates. Most likely, it also contains a broad list of prohibited acts that could lead to an eviction, such as:
- Failure to pay rent on time
- Criminal activity or drug use
- Assaulting or threatening other residents
- Damage to the unit or common areas
- Failure to abide by property guidelines or restrictions
- Subletting without written permission
- Having a pet
- Exceeding the number of approved tenants
- Smoking in the unit
Your agreement may also include opportunities to correct the problems if they come up.
Read the full article on Zillow to learn about:
- Unlawful reasons for eviction
- Proper eviction procedures
- How to keep your home
