Real Estate Community Forum

I am a first time landlord and I have a tenant that has not been paying her rent. I want to evict her, but I am unaware of the proper procedure. Can someone provide me with information on how to go about evicting a tenant?

I was also told that evicting a tenant can be very costly. In fact someone discouraged me from doing it and said I am better off talking with the tenant and settle the dispute out of court. Is this good advice?

Each state has it's own Residential Landlord Tenant Act that must be strictly adhered to when pursuing an eviction of Single Family Residences. Evictions can be timely and costly if you don't follow the law exactly.

I agree that it is usually best to try and work something out with your tenant. I have heard of some Landlords giving the tenant money or providing a moving van to move out of the home as amicably as possible.

If this isn't possible, I would strongly encourage you to use an attorney to represent your interest in the courts. In Florida, the law tends to side with the tenant which is why I have an attorney prepare my leases. That way, if it ever comes to an eviction I am protected.