House Hacking Gone Horribly Wrong

[Jaclyn B.]

Hello BP Community,

I've been on the house hacking train for quite a while and for the most part it's worked out very well for me. However, I've recently discovered that the new housemates I have are terrible. They've broken the lease several times and lied on their application. I've asked them to leave and noted the multiple clauses of the lease they violated. They have refused (even after I offered to pay for a hotel for a couple nights). Now it's eviction time, which I have never done before. I'm seeking advice on how to evict in Austin, TX. Any referrals to good property lawyers in the area would also be much appreciated.

--JB

[Jassem A.]

The paperwork shouldn't be too difficult and the process goes like this in Virginia:

1) Post a 5-day pay or quit notice on the door (can find examples of what this should look like online)

2) After 5 days, if they have not moved out or paid, go to general district court and fill out the eviction form (Unlawful Detainer), pay the fee, and get a court date

3) Show up to court and explain what had happened

4) If the judge is nice he will give you immediate possession

5) Possession is not immediately yours until the sheriff shows up! You need to go back to the clerk and fill out another form called a "writ" and pay another fee

6) The Sheriff will call you within 30 days to schedule an eviction date

7) Show up to the eviction and change the deadbolts to exterior entrances and they may have 24 hours to get their things

8) After 24 hours, put stuff to the curb or take it to the landfill and then get the room or property ready for your next tenant

Note: if you collect any rent after you put the notice on the door then you will want to give them a receipt and keep a copy for yourself that includes the words "with reservation" and also bring that to court