8. YOUR STATE’S LANDLORD-TENANT ACT
Each state has its own landlord-tenant law outlining the rights and obligations of both parties. These laws govern issues like rent increases, notice periods, lease termination, and legal remedies for breach of contract. Familiarize yourself with the version applicable in your state. Search your state government website or consult a local attorney to ensure you’re in compliance. When a tenant violates a lease by failing to pay rent, damaging the property, or engaging in illegal activity, you must follow the proper legal process to evict. That means: • Issuing a written notice with the required timeline for compliance or move- out. • Filing for eviction in court after the deadline passes. • Waiting for a judge’s order before removing the tenant with help from the sheriff. Self-help evictions, such as changing the locks or shutting off utilities, are illegal in every state and can lead to serious penalties.
9. EVICTION PROCEDURES
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