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Landlord Tips for Managing Lease Non-Renewals

A person in a suit signing a document at a desk.Discovering and retaining good tenants is important to keeping your rental vacancies low. Yet, there will be instances when things don’t work out between you and your tenant. Maybe your circumstances are changing, or you must do major repairs. In such cases, non-renewal is one of the most effective methods to end your current lease. Listed below are some of the most important items to keep in mind about the non-renewal process and how to handle it properly.

Is Non-Renewal The Same As Eviction?

You need to comprehend that non-renewal and eviction are two different processes. Eviction is how a landlord can legally remove a tenant from a rental property. The most common reason for this is when the tenant breaks a rule in their lease. Expulsion necessitates legal steps, including court hearings, and may involve law enforcement to expel the tenant.

Non-renewal, on the other hand, is not about forcing the tenant to leave. This implies that the landlord chooses not to extend the lease after the end of the current lease term. However, a landlord cannot just wait until the lease ends and then suddenly ask the tenant to move out. Akin to eviction, non-renewal should adhere to specific laws in your state. Laws about renting and leases vary by state; therefore, you need to research and understand the actions required to confirm that your non-renewal follows the law.

When and Why to Choose Non-Renewal

The non-renewal process primarily starts with a notice sent to your tenant that their lease is not being renewed. 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 states, the notice must be sent 90 days before the lease’s end. In some places, it may only be 30 days. Although you are not required to give a reason for the non-renewal, the notice must typically be delivered in writing and, in other areas, must be sent through certified mail or another signature-based service. It is critical to know what the law in your state requires so that you can obey all applicable regulations.

Legal Considerations and Fair Housing Compliance

Moreover, it is essential not to use non-renewal for situations that require an eviction, a modification in lease terms, or to raise the rent. In most places, using a non-renewal notice to try to persuade or force out a tenant is illegal. It could backfire in an expensive lawsuit, specifically when a tenant deems 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 comprehending and following the local statutes to the letter.

Communicating Non-Renewal Clearly and Professionally

If you have established good communication with your resident (and it is a must!), you have to continue doing so throughout the non-renewal process. Even if your tenant feels disappointed or hurt by your unwillingness to renew their lease, you need to maintain professionalism. By displaying that you care about your tenant, even if you have to part ways, you can possibly avoid retaliatory damage or other undesirable actions and, if things go appropriately, part with your tenant on good terms.

One of the excellent methods to manage a non-renewal situation is to hire an expert. At Real Property Management Performance, our property managers in Monmouth County can assist you with modifications to your lease, ownership status, or upkeep. For more data, please contact us online or call 732-289-9337 today.

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