Landlords: Terminating a Legally

When is it legal for a landlord to terminate a lease, and thereby end an unwanted tenancy, is a relatively easy question to answer. One can say a landlord is within his legal rights to terminate a lease, when the tenant flagrantly violates any of its clauses, such as, paying rent late, keeping pets in direct violation of a No Pets clause, substantially damaging the property, or participating in illegal activities on or near the premises e.g. selling drugs or some such.

However, a landlord is required to send adequate notice to a tenant telling him / her that the tenancy has been terminated. State laws have set out extremely detailed requirements regarding the drafting and delivery or serving of a termination notice. The reason for terminating the tenancy must be clearly stated, with a warning that the tenant must vacate the premises or face an eviction lawsuit. Or else, the notice should warn the tenant of eviction, if he / she does not clean up his / her act, e.g. pay the rent, or find a new home for the pet.

In case, the tenant complies or vacates the rental property, the landlord has just saved himself some expensive litigation expenditure. However, if the tenant refuses to comply with the termination notice, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit against the tenant.

That apart, landlords should make themselves cognisant with all rules and regulations before drafting tenancy leases or rental agreements. They must also take all necessary precautions, such as, tenant screenings, background checks on prospective tenants, including making certain all rental lease clauses are adhered to, as insurance for a litigation free landlord / tenant relationship. A simple click of the mouse and any landlord or property manager can visit www.e-renter.com for their tenant screening and background check services. www.e-renter.com, the best tenant screening agency in America!