A huge portion of keeping your rental vacancies low is locating (and keeping) good tenants. But occasionally, things don’t work out between you and your tenant. Maybe your circumstances are changing, or you must do major repairs. In such instances, non-renewal is the most effective way to end your current lease. This post will talk about the non-renewal process and underline some vital points you should be familiar with to handle it properly.
Is Non-Renewal The Same As Eviction?
You should know that non-renewal and eviction are two different processes. Eviction is how a landlord can legally remove a tenant from a rental property. This commonly transpires when the tenant breaks a rule in their lease. Eviction involves a series of legal steps, such as court hearings, and may necessitate law enforcement to expel the tenant.
Non-renewal, however, is not about forcing the tenant to leave. This reveals that the landlord chooses not to extend the lease after the end of the current lease term. But a landlord cannot just wait until the lease ends and then suddenly ask the tenant to move out. Comparable to eviction, non-renewal should stick to the specific laws in your state. Laws about renting and leases vary by state, making it vital to research and understand the necessary measures to guarantee that your non-renewal follows the law.
When and Why to Choose Non-Renewal
The non-renewal process mostly begins with a notice sent to your tenant that their lease is not being continued. This notice informs your tenant that the lease won’t be renewed at the end of their current term. How far in advance of the lease end this notice should be sent varies since each state has different requirements on the timing of non-renewal notices.
In certain locations, the notice must be sent 90 days before the lease’s end. In others, it might be just 30 days. Although you likely aren’t required to give a reason for the non-renewal, the notice must typically be delivered in writing and, in certain places, must be sent through certified mail or another signature-based service. You’ll need to know what the law in your state requires so that you can abide by all applicable regulations.
Legal Considerations and Fair Housing Compliance
It’s also indispensable not to use non-renewal for situations that require an eviction, an adjustment in lease terms, or to raise the rent. In numerous areas, trying to use a non-renewal notice to try to control or force out a tenant is illegal. An expensive lawsuit could result 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 recognizing and following the local statute to the letter.
Communicating Non-Renewal Clearly and Professionally
If you have established good communication with your resident (which is important!), it’s imperative to maintain that communication during the non-renewal process. Even if your tenant feels dismayed or unhappy by your unwillingness to renew their lease, it’s advisable to maintain professionalism. By demonstrating that you care about your tenant, even when it’s time to conclude the arrangement, you can avoid retaliatory damage or other negative behaviors. If the situation unfolds positively, you may 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 Varanasi, our property managers in Malvern are here to help you with modifications to your lease, ownership status, or repairs. To get more information, please contact us online or call 215-770-2707 today.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
