It is always a good first step to make attempts to resolve any violation amicably. For instance, tenants with good rent payment histories may be facing temporary financial challenges that affect their ability to pay rent. This approach may convince the tenant to leave on their own accord, and save the landlord time and costs associated with going to court.

The service of a notice to vacate officially commences the legal eviction process. You can send the notice to vacate by delivering it personally to the tenant, posting it to the tenant’s door, or delivering by certified mail. Once the tenant receives the notice, they will have the opportunity to cure the violation or leave the premises within the period stated in the notice. The notice period is calculated from the day on which the notice is delivered. 

If the tenant has not cured the violation or left the premises within the period stated in the notice, you can file a complaint in court. After filing the complaint, the court will fix a hearing date and serve the tenant with summons which orders the tenant to show up to court on the hearing date.

The next step is to appear in court and explain why you want to evict the tenant, outlining the violation that the tenant committed. You should bring all documentation related to the case, including the original signed lease agreement, records of payments, communication records, written notices, and the eviction notice.

If your case is successful, the court will order the tenant to leave the premises. If the tenant does not leave the premises, you may contact your local sheriff’s department to move the tenant out. You may also recover any outstanding rent or costs from the security deposit or by filing an action in small claims court.