Owning a rental property can be an amazing way to establish passive income. However, things can quickly go awry if you need to evict your tenants. US landlords file approximately 3.6 million eviction cases each year, and it's essential to understand how to navigate the process.
We've put together a brief guide with landlord advice on eviction laws and property management. Let's explore the key information you should know about evictions in Glenview, Illinois.
Send a Written Notice
Before you move forward with the eviction process, you'll need to send a written notice. As the name implies, this is a document that details your plans to evict the tenant.
It should also include information about why the eviction will occur. For example, your notice could include evidence and info about the terms of the lease your tenant breached.
Fill Out the Required Forms
There are numerous forms you'll need to complete when evicting a tenant. Stay vigilant when handling them. Something as simple as leaving a required field blank could delay your eviction by weeks or months.
In some situations, it could also make it more difficult for you to successfully evict the tenant. It's best to work with a professional so you avoid making mistakes.
Serve the Eviction
You must serve the tenant at least three days before the court hearing. There's a variety of options to choose from regarding who can serve the papers.
You can hire a professional process server or ask a sheriff to give the papers to the tenant. You can also send the notice through certified mail. Since the tenant will need to verify their identity and sign for the mail, they can't argue they never received the eviction notice.
Go to Trial
A judge will oversee the case and hear both sides of the situation. Depending on the circumstances, this could be simple or convoluted. To clarify, let's assume a landlord has received numerous complaints from neighbors that the tenant committed a class X felony at the property.
However, there's no hard evidence of them doing so. Situations like these can be difficult to work with. In general, eviction hearings are resolved within a month.
Wait for Judgment
After the trial is completed, you'll need to wait for judgment. Ideally, the judge will order the tenant to vacate immediately and return possession of the property.
There could be factors that play that cause the judge to give more time than expected for the tenant to leave. Regardless, you'll finally have a resolution to the eviction.
Ensure You Handle Evictions Correctly
Dealing with evictions can be a complicated process, but understanding how to navigate tenant evictions can streamline your obligations. As long as you understand their rights and work with a professional, you'll avoid many issues you could have otherwise encountered.
PMI Metro and Suburban is a full-service real estate asset management company. We aim to ease the burden of property management and help clients focus on other areas of their lives. You can learn more about the benefits we provide by scheduling a free rental analysis.
