Landlords occasionally run into scenarios where they have no alternative but to evict a tenant. You never want it to reach this stage, but you have an investment to protect, and bringing in new renters is sometimes the only way to maximize your asset.
Eviction typically becomes the only option when you have a problem tenant who is annoying neighbors, breaking the law, or making it more challenging for you to earn a return on your investment. Starting from scratch allows you to find the ideal renter for your property moving forward. You will incur additional expenses if you have to evict a tenant, though, so you should be aware of how much it could cost you.
How much does eviction cost? This guide examines why evicting a tenant may become necessary and goes over the expenses you could be on the hook for paying in this situation.
Why You Might Have to Evict a Renter
Understanding some scenarios where you might have to ask your tenants to leave makes getting ahead of the problem easier. Waiting too long to evict a renter can lead to more significant issues and damages. Some reasons to consider eviction include the following:
Rent Collection Problems
It usually isn’t a big deal if a tenant occasionally pays the rent a couple of days late, but you’ll want to address the situation if it becomes commonplace. Landlords sometimes run into scenarios where a renter stops paying altogether, which is a surefire reason to start the eviction process.
Property Damage
You’ll want to get your renter out of the house as soon as possible if you notice significant property damage. Having a tenant inflict damage to the interior or exterior of the unit leaves you with additional expenses and makes the entire property less attractive. Some minor wear and tear is normal, but you must address major damage immediately.
Noise Complaints
You can overlook the occasional noise complaint, but tenants who frequently ignore your reminders and insist on playing loud music or having large gatherings are an issue. Giving a written warning or two before escalating the situation is advisable, but you don’t want to become liable for fines and other legal problems if your renters don’t comply.
Illegal Activities
Noticing any illegal activities on the property is cause for immediate eviction. You could be liable if local authorities intervene in these criminal acts, so it’s best to get your renters out of the house immediately if you learn about these activities.
Lease Violations
Ignoring the terms of the lease agreement could give you grounds to evict a tenant. These terms could involve smoking, drug use, pet ownership, subletting, or any other conditions you notice your renters violating.
You never want to evict a tenant, but dismissing these situations could devalue your investment. You must do what’s right for your future by collecting rent and keeping the unit in excellent condition.
Five Expenses You’ll Encounter When Evicting Tenants
One reason to avoid evicting your renters is the expense. Keeping your existing tenants in the building will typically cost you less, making it the ideal option. Some fees you’ll encounter when eviction becomes the only choice include the following:
1. Lost Rent
There’s a good chance you’ll miss out on some rent money if you evict your tenants. The place will likely sit empty for at least a couple of weeks as you sort the situation out, and a prolonged vacancy could be necessary if there’s significant property damage. Any period the unit sits empty is money out of your pocket and something you’ll have to prepare for ahead of time.
2. Property Damage
Situations in which you evict your renters because of property damage will certainly require repairs before allowing someone new to inhabit the unit. The expenses you’ll be responsible for depend on the amount of damage, as hiring a contractor or purchasing new appliances could be necessary in more extreme cases.
3. Turnover Expenses
Turnover expenses aren’t unique to evictions, as there’s always a cost when bringing in new renters. You’ll be responsible for replacing the locks, cleaning the unit, painting the interior, and advertising the property, all of which can cost you some money. There’s also the time it takes to show the house, collect rental applications, contact references, and finalize the lease, which could force you to take time away from work.
4. Legal Fees
Legal representation is recommended when evicting a tenant because you want to ensure you do everything by the book. Failure to follow D.C.’s judicial eviction protocols could land you in legal trouble, so it’s wise to have a lawyer walk you through the process to ensure you follow the rules. You’ll also have to file paperwork with the Rental Accommodations Division before evicting a tenant for any reason other than nonpayment of rent.
5. Court Costs
A court order must accompany any eviction in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Marshals Service must supervise the process. Attaining this court order will cost you some money, and although you can demand repayment of these fees through the courts, there’s a good chance you’ll never see the funds. The tenant can also avoid eviction for nonpayment of rent in this scenario by paying the total amount owed before the removal is executed.
How much does eviction cost? It depends on multiple factors, but you can expect to pay a significant amount to legally remove a problem tenant from your property in the Washington, D.C., area.
Get Help Managing Your Renters
You can minimize the problems you encounter with your tenants by properly vetting everyone who applies to rent your property, thoroughly checking references, and inspecting the home regularly to search for issues. Hiring a professional property manager can make your life easier because they will handle all the day-to-day work for you, including dealing with any evictions that become necessary.
Nomadic Real Estate offers property management services in the metro D.C. area. Our experienced team will vet potential tenants, hold them to the lease terms, and assist with the eviction process if it ever becomes necessary. Contact Nomadic Real Estate for more information on how we can help protect your investment property.
