Evicting a renter is never the first choice of a rental property owner, no matter how much a disgruntled ex-renter might respond. Property owners know that they have a better experience if they keep renters long-term, reducing turnover costs and marketing needs. Plus, finding a way for the renter and owner to part ways peacefully without eviction helps reduce costs associated with the legal eviction process.
If you've run into a situation where delivering a 30-day eviction notice is essential, what should you expect to pay? What does it cost to evict a tenant? Keep reading to learn more from the best property management company Venice offers.
Court Filing Costs
Every jurisdiction is a little different, but the process for filing an eviction in Florida has some costs. On average, filing fees for an eviction lawsuit can be around $100 per tenant. In addition, if you successfully obtain a legal ruling in your favor, the writ of possession to schedule for the Sheriff to observe the renter's move out will cost on average $150.
These fees should be considered and part of the budget, but as you can see, these court costs are not the prohibitive part of the eviction process. Because legally removing a renter from a property takes time and energy—in addition to rental income loss—rental property owners experience more significant expenses with other aspects of eviction.
Attorney Fees
Whether mediation works for your case or your lawsuit goes through a lengthier court process, you need an attorney. While eviction cases are reasonably common, attorneys can help you navigate potential complications and avoid mistakes that could lead to a ruling in favor of your resident.
Having an advocate through the process can be valuable to ensure a successful resolution that removes. However, attorneys can be a significant (yet necessary) expense. Even if you hope never to evict a tenant, property owners should budget for periodic legal advice from an experienced attorney. Building cash reserves to hire a lawyer and a property manager can help the eviction process go smoother. With a property manager, owners can also stay removed from the process, including delivering the 30-day eviction notice.
Many Renters Never "Settle Up" After the Eviction Notice
Most residents don't pay rent during eviction court proceedings, which can take months. This leaves property owners with a tenant that isn't paying rent until the judge rules on their case. Even if the court rules that a non-paying renter must pay unpaid rent in addition to being removed from the property, things don't always go according to plan. Sometimes tenants refuse to pay what they owe, even when the court requires it.
A property manager recommends keeping an eye on your cash flow when tenant eviction proceedings begin. Also, those cash reserves we mentioned can help you cover ongoing expenses throughout the eviction process when you could be without rental income until the renter leaves and the unit is vacant for a new renter. While it's tempting to remove a renter faster by changing the locks, skipping the proper notice, and removing their belongings, doing that can cause you to lose the lawsuit and face a retaliatory suit from the resident.
Of course, losing rental income while you wait can feel like a big blow to the budget. However, following legal eviction procedures is the best way to finish the eviction with an air-tight case and hopefully not deal with it again for a long time.
Tenants Don't Always Leave the Rental Property Good Condition
When the dust settles, your renter has moved out, and you've completed all legal processes, you may feel like you've already expended all the resources you want to put into the fallout of an eviction. However, there's one more critical category where you should keep potential costs in mind, which is in the clean-up and preparation for the next renter.
While many typical renters will be motivated to tidy up when it's time to move, this isn't always true for people experiencing eviction. Without the motivation to return a security deposit and proven disregard for the lease agreement, renters may not clean the rental unit before leaving. They might also leave trash, belongings, and property damage.
When a landlord regains possession of the property, it's time to initiate the marketing and application process for the property. A property owner must also quickly assess how much work the rental needs to show potential renters and move-in day. In some instances, evicted tenants leave significant trash and damage, which becomes a more costly aspect of eviction for owners.
A Venice Property Management Company Can Help Manage Costs
The best way for landlords to reduce eviction costs is to avoid it! However, we realize that's not always possible when dealing with difficult renters. The best property management company Venice offers can help investors set a rental rate that helps build cash reserves and navigate the eviction process to minimize excessive expenses. Gulf Coast Property Management also specializes in reducing the potential for eviction by applying a thorough screening process to place better residents! Reach out soon to learn how we can help manage costs and boost your returns.
Get more insights in our free resource, the Rental Property Owner's Tenant Eviction Checklist!
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