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The best way to get a tenant to leave is to establish from day one, that if they cannot pay their rent, or if they cause any undo problems, that they cannot live in the building. When you are in the process of renting out your dwelling, make sure that the perspective tenant understand the importance of being responsible. How they must make their rent a priority. Explain the process, of notification, to un-lawful detainer, to eviction. Make sure the tenant understands the consequences of these types of problems on their future. Be a little hard-nosed about it. Tell them you will be there to help them in any way you can, but you cannot pay their rent. Make them promise you they will make their rent a priority in their lives. Explain late fees. Allow only a limited amount of late fees before you can refuse the rent to start eviction. Put it all in the contract for them to initial. If they are late, hand out the late fees and 3 day notices without apology. This will let them know you mean business. You can be very friendly, and still try to control the situation.

Explain how they must be "good neighbors" in the building. No outrageous behaviors, no threats, no screaming parties all night long. These will lead to a problem. Jump on problems as they occur. Do not hesitate, or act timid. Never show the tenant you are afraid to confront the immediate problem. Most problems can be approached in a reasonable way. Use your problem solving skills, and treat the tenant fairly, and justly. As the authority figure in the building, you must be a "friend" while also being a "boss". People can become very angry when their basic security is threatened. If things get ugly, get the police involved.
When the tenant has exhausted their welcome, or can't, or won't pay their rent, or has violated the lease with behavior problems, I would offer them money to move. Tell them it would be better than an eviction, and save them the trouble of having to carry that around for 7 years. Help them look for another place. Show you are not interested in throwing them into the street. Check with your local tenants rights organization to find out what amount you may have to give them. Wave the cash under their nose, tell them you will give them a good recommendation, and don't hand it to them until they hand you the keys to the apartment. Give them a good recommendation, you want to get rid of them, and all landlords know this. They usually ask for the last few landlords to find out what is really happening. If you treat them with kindness as they go through this difficult time, you can expect better results.

Learn more about this author, Helen Kelly.
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