Being a Dayton landlord is not an easy job. There are tenant requests, maintenance issues, and repairs that you need to deal with. The process can be even more tiring if your tenant won’t pay rent; the continual non-payment of rent may result in eviction.
An eviction process begins when the landlord files for a legal procedure that demands the removal of the tenant from the Dayton rental property. For the process to begin, the landlord must follow specific procedures according to the eviction laws in Ohio.
One of the most common reasons why landlords are forced to evict tenants from their Ohio rentals is the failure to pay rent. Here is what you should do if your tenant won’t pay rent.
Tips Need to Follow If Your Tenants Are Not Paying Rent
- Notice for eviction with a cause
If you want to end the renter’s tenancy before the term of the lease is over, you should possess a valid reason. Since the tenant refuses to pay the rent, you, as the landlord, are required to give your tenant a 3-day notice that is unconditional. The notice must specify that the tenant has three days to move out before a legal eviction is processed against them.
- Notice for eviction without a cause
If you do not have a proper reason to evict the tenant, you must wait until the term of the lease is over for them to move out. If the tenant is living on a month-to-month tenancy, you must give the tenant a 30-day notice. The notice must specify the date by which the tenant must move out. If the tenant doesn’t move out by this date, you can file for an eviction.
Similarly, if the tenant is living under a fixed-term tenancy, you must wait until the fixed term of the lease is over for the tenant to move out. There is no compulsion to give the tenant a notice unless it is mentioned in the lease.
Since different procedures are required for the various circumstances, make sure you adhere to the law to get the eviction process started. As the landlord, you must never forcefully remove the tenant from the property.
Tenant Defenses to Evictions in Ohio
For the complete eviction of the tenant from the property, you must first win the lawsuit. Once you file for an eviction action in court, you are required to follow all the rules and procedures as mentioned in the Ohio Revised Code. You cannot make the renter leave the grounds by withholding basic utilities from them.
The tenant can use this treatment against you in the lawsuit. Additionally, if you have not been adhering to the law regarding your obligation to provide habitable housing for the tenant, the tenant can present the evidence in court. The tenant can thus defend themselves against the eviction.
As a landlord, if you have upheld your end of the bargain, you can surely start the eviction process against your tenant if they are not paying rent. Eviction can often be performed through a peaceful process by the landlord.
However, the assistance of an experienced Dayton property management company can always be valuable. At ManCo Property Services, we can help you navigate the eviction process with the help of our skilled team. For more information, contact us at ManCo Property Services.
