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What legal justifications do landlords have for evicting tenants?

Now and again, landlords have legitimate reasons for evicting tenants. When they kick someone out, the logic behind their resolutions must be sound.

The law offers concrete justifications for initiating eviction proceedings. Before sending a renter packing, landlords must be sure that the rationale behind their decision is eminently sensible.

Nonpayment of rent

Arguably, the most straightforward reason for an eviction is the tenant’s failure to pay. It is sobering to realize that more than 8 million American adults live in households behind on their rent. When tenants consistently fall short in this regard, landlords have a legitimate basis for eviction.

Lease violations

Property agreements outline the terms of a rental arrangement and serve as legal contracts between landlords and tenants. Limitations may include rules on subjects such as owning pets or subleasing. When tenants breach these guidelines without approval, landlords may justifiably pursue a tenant’s removal.

Property damage

Tenants must keep the space where they live in reasonable condition. If they cause excessive damage beyond normal wear and tear, it remains acceptable for landlords to evict the offending inhabitant. Landlords are responsible for documenting the damage to allow a judge enough proof to assess the situation.

Illegal activities

Engaging in criminality is a solid reason for ending a tenant-landlord relationship. Selling drugs, prostitution and housing illegal immigrants are prime examples of serious violations. It is incumbent on landlords to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and show that they want to prevent such behavior from occurring on their premises.

When landlords choose to evict someone, they must follow the appropriate procedures and be positive that their reason for terminating the rental agreement is reasonable and fair. Besides the legal dimension, handling residents in a principled manner reflects well on their character.

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