When it comes to taking care of yourself, having access to an incredible lawyer is absolutely essential. A few years back, I was accused of a crime that I didn't commit, and it was absolutely devastating. The only way that I got through the ordeal was by finding an excellent general attorney who could represent me. I worked hard to find the right lawyer, and it was amazing to find an expert who truly understood what I was up against. This blog is all about finding the right lawyer to help you through your legal battles so that you can avoid serving time for something you didn't do.
Seeking Great Representation
What You Need to Know About Tenant Evictions
Henry Jennings
One of the issues that many tenants face involves evictions. As a tenant, it's essential to know your rights and fight for them with the help of a real estate lawyer. Here are some frequently asked questions about tenant evictions.
What Is an Eviction Notice?
There are three types of eviction notices you'll receive if you violate your rental contract. Firstly, you may receive a "Pay Rent or Quit" notice. This is where your landlord gives you a few days to clear the rent that's due. If you fail to clear rent within this time, your landlord will ask you to move out.
Secondly, your landlord may give you a "Cure or Quit" notice. This notice will be sent to you if you have violated a specific condition in your rental contract. You'll have a limited period to rectify your bad behavior or move out.
Lastly, your landlord may give you an "Unconditional Quit" notice. This notice doesn't give you a chance to rectify any wrong actions. With this notice, the landlord is asking you to leave their house. Many states have real estate laws that limit the use of these notices.
In many jurisdictions, a landlord can only issue an "Unconditional Quit" notice when a tenant has paid rent late for several occasions. Other situations are if the tenant has violated the terms of the rental contract multiple times without correcting the defect or has been conducting illegal activities in the rental premises. Furthermore, your landlord can issue the "Unconditional Quit" notice if you have seriously damaged their property.
No-Fault Eviction
The no-fault eviction notice is a notice to leave the rental premises for reasons that aren't your fault. With this type of notice, you don't have to leave until your rental contract ends. Your landlord will notify you a few months before the end of your lease.
Some no-fault causes include when the landlord plans to sell the unit or remodel it. The notice may also be given if the landlord plans to move into the house or accommodate a relative in the unit. Another common reason for a no-fault eviction is when the landlord plans to rehabilitate an uninhabitable unit.
Tenant Defenses to Eviction
A real estate attorney can present several defenses against an eviction. First, your real estate lawyer may claim that shoddy paperwork was used to prepare the lawsuit. Your lawyer can also raise the issue of the landlord's illegal behavior. For example, they may claim the rental property wasn't properly maintained. This defense can be used to argue that the eviction notice is retaliation because you asked your landlord to perform major repairs. Lastly, your real estate lawyer may claim the rental contract hasn't yet ended.
To learn more about fighting an eviction notice, contact a real estate attorney today.
Share