Finding (and keeping) good tenants is critical to keeping your rental vacancies low. However, at times, things don’t work out between you and your tenant. Perhaps your circumstances are changing, or you must do major repairs. In such instances, non-renewal is one of the most effective strategies to end your current lease. In the following section, we will go over the non-renewal process and some crucial points you should be aware of to handle it properly.
Is Non-Renewal The Same As Eviction?
It’s critical to acknowledge that non-renewal and eviction are two different processes. Eviction is how a landlord can legally remove a tenant from a rental property. This typically takes place when the tenant breaks a rule in their lease. Eviction necessitates legal steps, including court hearings, and may result in law enforcement expelling the tenant.
Non-renewal, however, is not about forcing the tenant to leave. This signifies the landlord chooses not to extend the lease beyond the conclusion of the current lease term. However, a landlord cannot just wait until the lease ends and then suddenly ask the tenant to move out. Comparable to eviction, non-renewal needs to conform to specific laws in your state. Laws about renting and leases vary by state, so it’s critical to research and understand the actions required to ensure your non-renewal follows the law.
When and Why to Choose Non-Renewal
The non-renewal process normally starts with a notice sent to your tenant that their lease is not being extended. This notice informs your tenant that the lease won’t be renewed at the end of their current term. The amount of time this notice should be issued before the lease ends varies because each state has different requirements on the timing of non-renewal notices.
In some location, the notice must be sent 90 days before the lease’s end. for others, it may only be 30 days. While you have no obligation to give a reason for the non-renewal, the notice should typically be delivered in writing and, in certain cases, must be sent through certified mail or another signature-based service. To comply with all applicable regulations, you must know what the law in your state requires.
Legal Considerations and Fair Housing Compliance
It’s also critical not to use non-renewal for situations that require an eviction, a change in lease terms, or to raise the rent. In most cases, implementing a non-renewal notice to try to deceive or force out a tenant is illegal. It might end up in an expensive lawsuit, particularly if a tenant believes that they are not given adequate notice or that their lease is being terminated in violation of local law. You can avoid legal headaches by familiarizing yourself with and following the local statutes to the letter.
Communicating Non-Renewal Clearly and Professionally
If you have established good communication with your resident (which you should!), you must maintain it throughout the non-renewal process. Even if your tenant is angered or offended by your unwillingness to renew their lease, it is critical that you preserve professionalism. By demonstrating that you care about your tenant, even if you must stop things, you may be able to avoid retaliatory damage or other unwanted conduct and, if everything goes well, part with your tenant on good terms.
One of the most effective strategies to manage a non-renewal situation is to hire an expert. At Real Property Management Suncoast, our property managers in Lakewood Ranch can help you with lease adjustments, ownership status, and repairs. For additional information, please contact us online or call 941-309-1111 today.
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