Month-To-Month Leased Tenants - Property Management

[Chris Reichenbach]

I just purchased my first duplex in Concord, North Carolina and plan to house hack one side and rent the other side out. One side is rented through December and the other side is on a month-to-month lease. The side I plan to live on will need renovating so the current tenant cannot stay. I was told by my agent that all I have to do is not renew the month-to-month lease and give the tenant a 30-day notice to vacate the property. Is this correct or will I have to go through an eviction or legal process to not do anything illegal? I appreciate all the help!

[Bill B.]

It all depends on the state. Some places are 30 others are 45 and still others are 60 days+. (I’m sue by now some can’t be kicked out except “for cause”. 

If you plan to self manage find a class, read some state specific books, study fair housing laws. One screw up is going to cost you more than paying for a property manager. Usually you can google state name landlord laws or handbook and find the biggies. Do you need to keep the security deposit in a separate account, can you discriminate by income source, notice length for rent increases, lease changes etc.