A Detroit Landlord's Guide to Eviction Prevention

Evictions are undeniably one of the most challenging aspects that landlords face. The process, marked by legal proceedings, emotional strain, and financial implications, can be one of the most unpleasant aspects of owning rental properties. 

Although the eviction notice letter serves as a fundamental step in this process, the real essence of preventing evictions lies in the preliminary measures taken. As a landlord in Detroit, understanding the intricacies and potential pitfalls is vital. 

Having effective strategies and systems in place can minimize the possibility of going through evictions with tenants. As experienced real estate professionals in Detroit, our team has helped many property owners go through the process of removing tenants. We also help reduce the instances of eviction with preventive measures. So, today, we highlight some of the best ways to avoid evictions!

Not All Bumpy Roads Need to Lead to Eviction

Whether it's the way you handle a tricky situation with a tenant during an active lease or the methods you apply for eviction prevention before placing a new tenant in your property, it's possible to reduce the frequency or potential of a tenancy ending in eviction. The following best practices can help a rental property owner handle tenant disputes appropriately, place better quality tenants, and enjoy more consistent cash flow with happy, long-term tenants! 

Screen Tenants Thoroughly 

Before finalizing any lease or rental agreement and handing over the keys to a new tenant, it's imperative that landlords conduct a comprehensive tenant screening. This process should look deep into various aspects of a potential tenant's life. 

By examining their credit history, you can gauge their financial responsibility and reliability. Additionally, background checks offer a glimpse into their past behaviors and patterns, ensuring they align with your property's standards and community.

Furthermore, evaluating personality traits can provide insights into the kind of tenant they might be—whether they'll respect the property, avoid lease violations, be considerate of neighbors, or pose potential issues. Reviewing criminal records is also essential to maintain the safety and security of your property and the surrounding community. 

Property owners should also check a prospective tenant's employment history to verify their stability and capacity to meet monthly rent commitments.

Working with a Detroit property management company like Own It Detroit means you have a partner specializing in these screenings and equipped with the tools and expertise to streamline this process. Investing time and resources in a thorough screening before placing a tenant gives you peace of mind and significantly reduces the risk of future confrontations, disputes, or evictions.

Foster a Healthy Landlord-Tenant Relationship 

Establishing a good relationship with your tenants is essential to successful property management. It's also one of the best ways to head off an eviction without getting to that point. 

While we don't recommend forging a deep personal bond or friendship, it's vital to cultivate mutual respect and trust with your renters. 

At the heart of this relationship lies efficient communication. Keeping channels open ensures that both parties are informed, feel valued, and have the opportunity to address concerns proactively.

In addition, setting clear expectations from the onset helps in avoiding misunderstandings. Whether it's about rent payment timelines, property maintenance, or community guidelines, clarity ensures everyone is on the same page. 

Demonstrating professionalism also reassures tenants of your commitment to a fair and respectful management approach. It signals reliability, fostering confidence in tenants that any concerns or issues they may face will be addressed in a timely and respectful manner. 

Building this foundational relationship can lead to longer tenancies, fewer disputes, and a better living environment for all involved.

Routine Maintenance is Key 

Did you know providing good maintenance services is a critical aspect of avoiding the eviction process? Maintaining your rental properties in excellent condition is a reflection of the landlord's commitment to the tenant's well-being and comfort. 

When a property is well-maintained, it serves as a functional living space and becomes a testament to the care and attention the landlord invests. Tenants, in turn, feel valued and respected, knowing that their living environment is a priority.

Moreover, addressing routine maintenance and ensuring repairs are handled promptly can significantly diminish potential points of contention. It eliminates scenarios where tenants might feel neglected or where they might have to endure prolonged inconvenience due to malfunctioning amenities. 

Sometimes, when tenants feel their needs aren't being met through prompt repairs or a well-kept property, they might use that as an excuse to withhold rent, leading to a contentious situation that can lead to eviction. 

Proactive upkeep not only boosts tenant satisfaction but also preserves the property's value in the long run.

Be Open to Dialogue During Hard Times 

When tenants encounter financial difficulties and struggle to pay rent, it becomes crucial for landlords to approach the situation with understanding and open-mindedness. Rather than jumping to conclusions or swiftly moving towards issuing a notice of eviction, it's beneficial to engage in constructive conversations. 

Establishing an open dialogue provides an avenue for property owners and renters to discuss concerns, express their viewpoints, and find mutually agreeable solutions. Consider offering flexible solutions like a payment plan, which can ease the burden on the tenant while ensuring continued rental income for the landlord. Alternatively, issuing warnings can serve as gentle reminders without escalating the situation. 

Demonstrating compassion not only strengthens the landlord-tenant relationship but also reinforces trust and goodwill. In challenging times, a little empathy can transform a potentially contentious situation into an opportunity for collaboration and understanding.

Consider Cash for Keys 

In situations where the relationship between a landlord and tenant reaches a point where eviction appears inevitable, it might be beneficial to think outside the box. 

One alternative is to offer the tenant an incentive to vacate the property voluntarily. Such a proposition, often termed "cash for keys," can be enticing for the tenant, providing them with financial assistance during their transition if they voluntarily leave the property and agree to an early lease termination. 

For the landlord, this approach can be quicker, less contentious, and potentially less expensive than a protracted eviction process. By opting for this mutually beneficial solution, property owners and tenants can avoid the stress and strain of legal battles.

Our Detroit Property Management Experts Help Prevent Evictions

Handling evictions can be overwhelming, but they don't have to happen in every challenging situation. While it's not possible to prevent all evictions, it is possible to reduce the potential of them happening frequently when property owners apply the best practices we've mentioned today. 

However, if you're looking to ease the burden of difficult tenant situations and the eviction process, let Own It Detroit support you. As your dedicated Detroit property management partner, we'll take care of every aspect related to evictions, including delivering and enforcing eviction notices, ensuring peace of mind for every landlord. 

We also apply our experience and expertise to the tenant selection process. We run every applicant through a thorough background screening before placing only the best renters in your properties. 

Choosing Own It Detroit means you have a partner dedicated to your success! Reach out to our team to learn more about our services. You can also learn more about managing investment properties successfully with a free copy of the "Expert Guide to Rental Property Management."