So You Want to Terminate Your Section 8 Tenant? Hold Your Horses (Unless They're Actually Stealing Them)
Let's face it, being a landlord isn't all sunshine and rent checks. Sometimes, you get tenants who make sock puppets out of your throw pillows (we've all been there). But what if your tenant is part of the Section 8 program? Eviction rodeo seems a little different, right?
Relax, Roy Rogers, it's not the wild west (of evictions). There's a process, but don't worry, it's not rocket science (unless your tenant is secretly building one in the basement, which would be a whole other can of worms).
First Things First: Why the Boot?
Maybe they've turned your once-charming garden into a demolition derby for broken lawnmowers. Perhaps their tuba collection is giving the neighborhood a nightly serenade that sounds like a herd of kazoos with hiccups. Whatever the reason, you need a legitimate beef. Here are some eviction rodeo no-gos for Section 8 tenants in California:
- Eviction Envy: You can't kick someone out just because you want your nephew to move in (unless your nephew is secretly an undercover agent tasked with taking down the aforementioned tuba ring).
- First Year Jitters: California law shields these tenants during the first year. Consider it a probationary period to see if things smooth out.
But fear not, eviction warriors! There are still ways to mosey on down the eviction trail.
Eviction Boot Camp: Reasons for Termination
- Rent Range: Didn't pay rent? That's a classic eviction two-step. Just be sure to follow the proper notice procedures.
- Lease Lo Down: Did they violate the lease agreement in a major way? Think broken windows, not forgetting to replace the smoke detector battery (although that is important!). Make sure you documented everything and gave them a chance to fix it.
- The Not-So-Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: This is where things get interesting. Criminal activity, threats, or substantially damaging the property are all grounds for eviction.
Remember: Always check with your local housing authority for the specifics in your area.
Eviction Epilogue: The Big Kahuna (of Notices)
So you've got your reason, now for the fun part (well, maybe not fun, but necessary). Notices are your eviction six-shooter. In California, you'll need to provide a different notice depending on the situation.
- Pay Up, Partner! For non-payment of rent, it's a three-day notice to pay or quit.
- Shape Up or Ship Out: For lease violations, you might need a cure or quit notice, giving them a chance to fix the problem.
- Thanks for the Memories (But It's Time to Go): If it's not a lease violation and you meet the requirements, you'll need a 90-day notice to vacate.
And here's the kicker: You gotta send a copy of these notices to the housing authority too.
Look, evicting a tenant is never a barrel of laughs, but with a little know-how, you can navigate the eviction trail without getting bucked off. Remember, communication is key. Try talking to your tenant first, you might be surprised how much a little chat can resolve. But if push comes to shove, follow the proper procedures, and you'll be moseying on down the road to a new tenant in no time.
