Eviction courts in Atlanta, unfortunately, are pretty backed up. This should come as no surprise; in some cases, the courts are still catching up from the eviction moratorium which put everything on hold for more than a year. All possible protections finally expired in Atlanta in September of 2023, immediately sending 12,000 tenants in Atlanta into a situation where they could potentially be evicted.
This is pretty significant.
As a landlord in Atlanta, you know how important it is to keep your properties occupied by reliable tenants who can be counted on to pay rent on time every month and follow the terms and requirements of their lease agreement. However, even with the best screening processes in place, unexpected circumstances can lead to missed rent payments and, ultimately, evictions.
Not only is this a stressful experience for your tenants, but it can also lead to a loss of income for you as the landlord. As professional Atlanta property managers, we’ve learned that the best way to deal with evictions is to avoid them.
We’re taking a look at ways that will help you avoid having to evict your tenant. Eviction should always be a last resort, and if you have a good working relationship with your resident, you will be more likely to prevent these unpleasant situations.
Here’s what we recommend.
Share Expectations with Atlanta Tenants
One of the most effective ways to prevent eviction is to establish clear communication and expectations with your tenants. A strong lease agreement and consistent, well-enforced policies can ensure that tenants perform the way you expect them to while they live in your property.
Make sure all the terms of your lease are spelled out in direct language and documented in writing. Share expectations with your tenants around:
- Rental due dates, late fees, and the consequences for late or missing payments.
- Rules and regulations within the lease agreement.
- Policies around things such as pets, guests, parking, etc.
- Renewal processes and the amount of time required before a tenant vacates.
Make sure your tenants understand what is expected of them and what consequences they may face if they do not meet their obligations. Regular and responsive communication with your tenants can also help prevent misunderstandings and build trust.
Create a Flexible – but Consistent- Rent Collection Policy
You want to be firm on when rent is due, how much is due, and what the grace periods.
You want to be consistent on grace periods and late fees.
However, you want to remain flexible on how rent is paid. For some people, sending a written check through the mail seems nearly impossible. Don’t set your tenants up for failure. Help them succeed in paying rent on time by providing a number of different options for them to pay.
Online or digital payments are extremely popular with modern tenants. If you don’t have the software that allows you to collect rental payments online, look for apps or payment platforms that will allow tenants to transfer the rent to you seamlessly and securely. You’ll be more likely to get the rent paid on time, and there’s a lower eviction risk.
Share Resources if Rental Assistance is Available
Another way to help prevent eviction is to provide resources for rent assistance. In Atlanta, several government entities and organizations offer financial assistance to tenants who are struggling to pay their rent.
These organizations can provide grants, loans, or other types of financial assistance to help cover rent, utility bills, and other living expenses. As a landlord, you can help connect your tenants with these resources by providing them with the contact information for these organizations. This will show tenants that you value them, you’re willing to help them, and you’re not eager to evict them. It will also help you get the overdue rent that you need to continue renting out your property effectively.
Consider Eviction Alternatives
Finally, before resorting to eviction, consider exploring alternatives. Eviction can be a costly and time-consuming process, and it can also leave your property vacant for an extended period. Instead, consider negotiating with your tenant to reach a mutually beneficial solution.
This could mean reducing the rent temporarily, allowing your tenant to sublet the property to someone else, or agreeing to terminate the lease early. By working with your tenant, you may be able to avoid eviction and maintain good relationships.
In today’s economy, where many people are struggling to make ends meet, it’s important to be flexible with payment options. Consider setting up a payment plan that lets your tenants pay their rent in installments. This can help tenants who are facing unexpected expenses or cash flow issues to stay current with their rent payments and avoid eviction.
Address issues early on. If you notice that a tenant is beginning to fall behind on their rent payments, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Reach out to your tenant to find out what’s going on and offer assistance if possible. This could mean setting up a payment plan or connecting them with financial assistance programs. By getting ahead of a potentially messy and expensive problem, you can avoid the situation escalating into a formal eviction proceeding.
Evictions can be a challenging and stressful experience for both landlords and tenants. They can also be expensive, and lead to longer vacancies. However, by following our tips and suggestions, you can take proactive steps to prevent evictions in Atlanta. By communicating clearly with your tenants, being flexible with payment options, providing resources for rent assistance, addressing issues early on, and considering alternatives to eviction, you can build strong relationships with your tenants and keep your properties profitable. By prioritizing prevention and early intervention, you can avoid the need for eviction and create a positive experience for everyone involved.
Don’t forget to screen your residents carefully. And, if you need additional help avoiding or working through an eviction, please contact us at Silas Frazier Realty, LLC. We lease, manage, and maintain investment properties in Atlanta, Snellville, Stone Mountain, Lilburn, Conyers, Smyrna, Marietta, Lithonia, Jonesboro, McDonough, Vinings, Brookhaven, Tucker, and the surrounding areas.
