If you've read the news recently, you'll notice that things will change for landlords. San Jose has seen a surge in evictions in recent years, and they now want to take steps to help protect tenants.
This ever-changing rental landscape can feel like a maze sometimes for landlords to navigate. But you must stay on top of eviction laws and help protect your income and property.
This guide will explain what you need to know about eviction protection.
Understanding California Eviction Laws
In San Jose, eviction protection for landlords begins with a look at the law.
There are strict regulations about how and when a landlord can begin an eviction. The law is there to protect tenants, so landlords must familiarize themselves with the latest rules.
In these rules, there is a set of "just causes" when you can evict tenants, and they include:
- Nonpayment of rent
- Any violation of the lease
- Damage to your property
- Criminal activity
By knowing the details of these regulations, you'll avoid any pitfalls that could delay or halt your eviction later in the process. It's essential to stay updated on any new laws and get legal help to guide you.
Following the Correct Eviction Process
When you want to start an eviction, you need to do things in the correct order. The law mandates this. First, notify your tenant that you plan to begin eviction proceedings.
You'll need to give appropriate warnings in line with California state law. That means giving tenants at least three days' notice.
That gives the tenant time to remedy the problem, such as catching up with unpaid rent.
If the tenant doesn't leave the property after that point, the next step for the landlord is to start a lawsuit. At that point, the eviction moves into the hands of the courts.
The landlord and tenant will present their case, and the judge will decide. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, they'll evict the tenant using a sheriff.
Keeping on Top of the Costs of Evictions
Landlords must plan an eviction with care. Reducing the risks of going wrong will help a landlord avoid unnecessary costs like legal fees and lost rental income.
Establish clear written rules for the property so there is no misunderstanding about the situations that could lead to an eviction. And keep in regular communication with your tenant.
Sometimes, you can resolve a problem with a single phone call and avoid getting to the eviction stage. It may be that the tenant didn't realize their rental payment was late, for example.
Landlords should always run proper tenant screening when advertising their property. It will help sift through applications and find reliable tenants, reducing the risk of a potential eviction.
Eviction Protection: Keeping Up With the Law
It's important to understand that although eviction protection exists for landlords, the regulations are often drafted to help protect tenants' rights. Staying knowledgeable on this will help smooth the eviction process.
Our team at Provident Management can help make your life easier as a landlord with services like tenant screening and eviction coordination. Discover more here.
