Experience-Based Tips to Avoid Evictions as a Landlord (Part 2)
As a landlord, you know that there’s no such thing as an effortless rental property.
From collecting rent to dealing with tenant issues to avoiding evictions, it all comes along with the job. But you can minimize the headaches if you plan ahead.
There are common reasons for evictions—non-payment of rent, destruction of property, lease violations, and so on.
But in this series, we’re sharing some of our own experiences from dealing with 100s of evictions over decades of managing rental properties.
And how you can prevent the same thing from happening to you.
Invaders Causing Some Trouble
Once upon a time, we managed a property that had an invader squatting in it for 2 years (!!).
Unfortunately, evictions during the Covid-19 pandemic were more complicated than usual, so it took us 2 long years fighting against the system to eventually obtain an eviction order.
On the day of the actual eviction, we came prepared. We thought ahead by coordinating with inspectors because we thought the squatters might be violent (since we’ve had experience with them before). To our surprise, everything went smoothly and the eviction was carried out without a hitch.
But then, just when we thought all was well…
Just TWO days later, our team came to check the property and do what they usually do when it’s unoccupied: document and prepare for new tenants.
What did they find? Only that the same invaders had already moved in again! They broke the new locks and were living illegally on the property once more.
Sad to say, we were back to where we began and had to start the eviction process all over again.
How Can You Avoid Evictions?
Prevention is better than a cure. But in cases like these, nothing except constant vigilance will work. You need to constantly monitor your vacant properties, and squatter’s rights and tenants’ rights can make cases like this even more difficult.
Still, there are things you can do to deter unwanted intruders.
- Put Up a “No Trespassing” Sign: Having this sign makes it a clear statement for people around the area and authorizes law enforcers to detain or remove anyone who doesn’t belong on the property.
- Lock Doors and Windows: Secure your property by adding locks and even boarding up the windows.
- Install Motion Lights: Motion-sensor lights are inexpensive and will make it harder for anyone trying to break in without being seen, plus it scares them off when the lights come on.
- Install a CCTV System: Security cameras can also help you detect activity at your vacant properties and respond quickly.
- Make Friends With Law Enforcement: Let them know where your vacant properties are so they can check up on them once in a while. Their presence around your properties will increase the chances of scaring away potential invaders.
Be vigilant and implement several layers of security in your rental properties to avoid invaders and eventually having to deal with eviction. Unfortunately, there may be times when this is unavoidable, but following these tips will protect you as much as possible.
If you don’t have the time to be this vigilant or don’t live close to your rentals, you should hire a property manager. They can watch your property while it’s unoccupied and when you’re faced with an eviction, they’ll handle everything on your behalf, minimizing the headache.
“Prevention Is The Best Medicine”
As the saying goes, “Prevention is the best medicine.” Being vigilant and doing what you can to avoid intruders and their eventual eviction will save you a lot of trouble down the road. There are things you can do yourself, but on the flip side, the other option is leaving it to the professionals.
Do you need help with the management of your rental properties? Contact our team of professionals today to find out how we can work together.