Minnesota landlords filed 22,000 evictions in the past 12 months.
No Duluth landlord sets out to evict any tenant, but you're often left with no other choice when your property is put at risk. Rental property protection should be the main priority every time.
In today's post, we're helping you create an eviction protection plan for your Duluth rental investment. Knowing how to prevent eviction is all about understanding the process and laws, so keep reading and you'll know how to navigate these kinds of complicated situations.
Understand Eviction Laws for Landlords in Minnesota
Before you set out to evict a tenant, it's in your best interest to gain an understanding of Minnesota's eviction laws. No landlord can simply evict a tenant by forcing them out of the property. This is known as a "self-help eviction" and it's illegal all over the country.
Instead, you have to follow a methodical process that starts with an eviction notice. In Minnesota, you can evict a tenant for 3 main reasons - failure to pay rent, property damage, and other lease violations.
For nonpayment of rent, you send the tenant a 14-day notice to pay or quit. This gives them a final 2 weeks to give you the money before you file the eviction in court. For other violations, you may provide notice but aren't required to under the law.
The Best Protection Is Prevention
When you know how to prevent an eviction, you don't have to worry as much about eviction protection. Prevention starts with a strong tenant screening process because when you put the work into finding a great tenant, you lessen the chances that you'll ever need to evict them.
Tenant screening involves looking into a tenant's character and finances. A criminal background check tells you whether or not an applicant has any concerning criminal history. Credit checks, on the other hand, tell you what their financial status is and whether they can afford your rent each month.
You can also speak to tenant references to understand who they are as a tenant. Combine all 3 of these tactics and you should be able to secure a reliable tenant every time.
Preparing for Court
In the event you have to go through the tenant eviction process, it's important to understand the process. If the eviction notice you gave your tenant lapses, the next step is to file the eviction with the local court. From there, both parties will receive a date to show up for the hearing.
For your eviction case to be successful, you need to be prepared. Gather as much evidence of the tenant's wrongdoing as possible, such as correspondence or receipts for repairs.
When your case is successful, the tenant will be forced to leave your property. Failure to do so can result in forcible removal from the police.
Eviction Protection and Property Management
These landlord eviction tips should help you deal with the eviction process. Eviction protection is an important aspect of being a landlord, but it's never easy. If you want rental property protection without the stress of eviction, hire a property manager.
PMI Lakeshore is Duluth's top property manager, offering a wide range of services that include eviction protection. Contact us today to learn more about what this means and how it can put your mind at ease.
