Richmond has seen upwards of 20,000 evictions in the past year alone.
If you're a Richmond-based landlord, evicting one of your tenants can be incredibly stressful. For that reason, it's best to try and avoid having to do it at all costs. Of course, you've got to prioritize the protection of your rental property above all else.
One of the ways you can minimize the risk of eviction is to create an eviction protection plan for your Richmond VA property. In today's post, we'll go through some of the features of a good eviction protection plan. Keep reading and you can rest easy knowing you can handle anything a tenant throws at you.
Understand Eviction Laws
The first step in any eviction protection plan is to be prepared. Learn as much as you can about Virginia's eviction laws so that you know how to navigate an eviction should it occur.
In Virginia, landlords can evict tenants for nonpayment of rent and a variety of lease violations. When you're ready to evict a tenant, you must give them with a 30-day notice to comply with your lease. Failing to do so allows you to get the eviction process moving in court.
Under no circumstances should you attempt a self-help eviction. You need to follow due process or face fines and penalties.
The Role of Tenant Screening
Another aspect of eviction protection has to do with prevention. A good tenant screening process can go a long way in helping you avoid tenants that you may have to evict.
Screening involves looking into an applicant's financial and criminal background. These tell you if they've had any concerning legal trouble and whether they're in a financial position to pay rent each month.
You can also contact former landlords and employers for character references. Landlords, in particular, can tell you what a tenant will be like, so you can see if they'll be a good fit for your vacancy.
Inspect Your Investment
When you find a seemingly good tenant, it's still up to you to keep an eye on them. Write a detailed lease that you can point to if you feel that a tenant is taking liberties in your home that you're uncomfortable with.
The other thing is to perform regular property inspections. Dropping by every few months to check on the property can tell you if your tenant is disrespecting your investment. It also helps you detect maintenance issues before they become major problems.
Hire Property Management for Eviction Protection
Good property management will offer eviction protection services. Your property manager will cover any costs associated with the eviction process, so you're never paying out of pocket when handling an eviction. They'll also tackle things like tenant screening and property inspections on your behalf.
Renters Warehouse is one of the top property managers in Richmond. Since 2015, we've helped Richmond property owners and tenants live stress-free lives. To learn more about our eviction protection plans, as well as our wide range of other property management services, contact us today.
