A Landlord’s Guide to Non-Renewal

Non-Renewal Vs. Eviction

Most people confuse non-renewal and eviction, which are two different processes. Eviction is a legal process where the landlord or a property management company removes a tenant from a rental property. The process usually begins when the tenant violates one or more terms in their lease and usually involves legal filings, court hearings, and a legal order implemented by law enforcement to remove the tenant.

Non-renewal doesn’t imply that you are forcing the tenant out but rather opting not to renew their lease once it comes to an end. This doesn’t mean that the tenant should wait until the tenant’s lease is coming to a lot to ask them to vacate. However, a non-renewal is similar to eviction because it has to adhere to set laws and regulations in your area.

If you are not familiar with the set regulations regarding non-renewal, property management companies have experienced professionals who can help. Different states are governed by their rental and leasing laws, meaning you need to familiarize yourself with the law to ensure a successful non-renewal process.

The Non-Renewal Process

The non-renewal process usually starts once the tenant has been issued a notice informing them that their lease won’t be renewed. Most states mandate landlords and property management companies to give a notice a few weeks or months before the lease expiration date. If you are planning to issue a tenant with a non-renewal notice, it is advisable to consult a property manager in Smyrna, GA.

Aside from the advance notice on the process, most states require it to be delivered in writing, certified mail, or services that require a signature. Failure to comply with the laws and regulations of your area can result in hefty fines and compromise the entire process. This means that landlords shouldn’t use a non-renewal for situations that call for an eviction, raising the rent, or change in lease terms. The last thing you need would be a costly lawsuit, especially if the non-renewal process violated local law. Such legal issues can be avoided by hiring a property management company to ensure everything is in line with the local statutes.

We recommend communicating with your tenants before and throughout the non-renewal process. Contact 3 Options Realty today for quality property management services at a competitive market price if you need things to be handled with the utmost professionalism.