What do I do if my renters won’t move out?

[Christy Philippoff]

We have tenants whose lease is up in May. We told them when we signed the lease last it that it was for one year and then we were turning the house into an Airbnb. In March we told them that if they moved out early we would give them $500 as incentive. We reminded them multiple times since then that their lease is up in May and we are not renewing it. Well now it’s nearing the end of May and they say they can’t find anywhere else to live. The rent they are paying is well below market value. We called multiple apartment complexes and found a few they could move into. I believe what it comes down to is that they really want to stay because the house is in a great location. The rent they can actually afford is in another city. We could almost double rent in our house. We offered to pay the deposit on their new place as well as actually help them move their belongings. They made no effort to call the other places. We are stuck. We don’t know what to do. They won’t move even with incentives. Can we evict them now? Any advice is appreciated.

[Patricia Steiner]

Do not accept rent after the lease ends or you will have agreed to a month-to-month tenancy.  With that you have to give your state mandated notice which normally means - another 30 days of living there.  So, send/post a Notice of Quit which is the first step in the eviction process advising that the lease has expired, they have 3 days to vacate, their security deposit is at risk, and eviction will be filed immediately.  

Don't offer to find them another place to live.  It's their problem to resolve.  They have basically disrespected your rights as the property owner by CHOOSING not to leave.  You're running a business.  They're keeping you from moving forward with the best use of it.  Send the Notice, file the eviction papers, and watch how quickly they find a new place to live.