According to Niche.com, Orange Beach, Alabama's median rent is $1,260, lower than the national median of $1,348. Unsurprisingly, renters make up a good chunk of the city's population: nearly one in three residents rent their homes here.
All those figures show that being a landlord in Orange Beach can be a great income generator. Unfortunately, the opposite can happen when landlords fail to prevent or minimize their risks of filing evictions.
So, if you're a new or accidental landlord in this city, you must learn as much as possible about the tenant eviction process. PMI Integrity Properties has shed light on this topic in this guide, so please read on.
1. Evictions Should Be Your Last Resort
Handling tenant disputes effectively through clear communication should be your first go-to solution, not evictions. Try discussing issues with your tenants first, especially if this is the first time such problems have occurred. Reaching a compromise may be a more cost-effective solution than an eviction.
For example, suppose you're considering evicting a tenant who has exceeded the number of pets allowed in the rental. Instead of evicting them immediately, you could give them the choice to stay by paying an additional pet rent.
2. Valid Grounds for Evictions
The tenant eviction process in Orange Beach starts with a legitimate reason, including:
- Non-payment of rent
- Lease violations
- Illegal activities on the property
Document such issues thoroughly to strengthen your case. Following proper legal channels can help you avoid potential pitfalls during an eviction.
3. Rental Eviction Rules in Alabama
Alabama has specific rental eviction rules that landlords must adhere to, as outlined in the state's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. One of the laws under this act is for landlords to comply with eviction notice requirements. As NOLO explains, landlords must serve these notices seven days in advance:
- Notice to pay rent
- Notice to remedy
- Unconditional quit notice
4. Self-Help Evictions Are Illegal
As a property owner, you can evict tenants who don't pay rent on time or violate their lease agreements. However, you must exercise your rights legally and ethically, which means never engaging in self-help eviction measures.
Examples of self-help evictions are changing locks and shutting off utilities. If you make these mistakes, your tenants may file countersuits against you.
5. Professional Property Management Can Help
One of the simplest ways to minimize your risk of evicting tenants is to hire an Orange Beach property management company. They can help by screening tenants thoroughly and choosing those with the least likelihood of doing something that would force you to evict them. They also have many residential guarantees, such as eviction protection plans, for your peace of mind.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Navigating the world of evictions in Orange Beach, AL, requires diligence and knowledge of the law. So, familiarize yourself with the key facts above, including the eviction process, state laws, and partnering with a property management firm.
Let PMI Integrity Properties be your reliable property management partner. Our team comprises highly educated and skilled realtors and professionals with decades of combined expertise in real estate and property management. With us managing your properties, you can worry less about evictions and bad tenants affecting your bottom line.
Reach out today to learn more about what we do and request your free property consultation!
