A Smooth Eviction....

[Krystallin Baker]

So, the horror stories of evictions abound. I'm curious though, how many of you have had a smooth eviction? What did you do that made the eviction relatively painless and less costly than the horror story versions? 

[Linda Weygant]

Evictions by their very definition are not smooth.  I've done four so far and they've all been as smooth as can be expected, but I would never label the process as easy or smooth.  Best way to get through them:

1.  Know your lease so that when tenants ask questions or do stuff during the lease, you are responding appropriately every time.  Never contradict verbally what is written into your lease.

2.  Know your local and federal laws - again, so that you never say or do anything inadvertently that can be used against you later or as a defense against an eviction.

3.  When you show up to court, have all your documents in order - signed copy of the lease, official copies of all notices, verified financial records, etc.

4.  When the judge asks for certain proof and documentation, have it ready to hand over.  Don't fumble, don't go searching through your file.  Know everything about the case ahead of time.  If needed, write out a brief summary of events that you can refer to without digging through the file.