Cash for Keys vs Eviction..

[Andrea M.]

I notice on a lot of discussion threads owners/landlord offer the current occupant/tenant Cash for Keys when trying to sway an occupant to leave rather than eviction.

I am wondering if this is more popular in states which are not landlord friendly or takes forever or expensive to have someone evicted.

[Rob K.]

Originally posted by @Andrea M.:

I notice on a lot of discussion threads owners/landlord offer the current occupant/tenant Cash for Keys when trying to sway an occupant to leave rather than eviction.

I am wondering if this is more popular in states which are not landlord friendly or takes forever or expensive to have someone evicted.

In my state, evictions are fairly quick. Seven day notice when rent is late, a court date about two weeks later, and then they have ten days to pay or move. When I do cash for keys, it's in that ten day period. I already have a money judgment against them. Instead of paying the court hundreds of dollars to evict, I have offered the tenant $150-$200 to move out and clean the house. It's cheaper than hiring the court and the house comes back in nicer condition. Since I already have the money judgment, I then go after their state tax refund. They're usually not expecting this as they think everything is done when they exchange keys for cash. It sucks giving money to someone that owes you money, but you need to look at the bottom line.