Posted by Joe Kaiser on May 05, 2006 at 19:45:40:
Pat . . . not to be harsh, but this is an example of the blind leading the
blind. There are tenants who do show up, who do present defenses,
who do file counter claims, who do file bankruptcy, etc. etc. etc.
You got lucky. Come talk to those of us who didn’t and even the
eviction pro attorney had trouble getting things unjammed.
You don’t learn Landlord/Tenant 101 in a courtroom.
Joe
Pay or Quit Notice needed - Posted by tim
Posted by tim on May 04, 2006 at 21:12:27:
Looks like I’m about to initiate my first eviction.
I’m in Virginia, which requires a 5 day notice.
Can anyone tell me specifically what I must include in the letter (or where I can find a free download) ?
Thanks
Re: Pay or Quit Notice needed - Posted by Clint
Posted by Clint on May 06, 2006 at 17:16:49:
How to:
email on its way: with 5 day.
Don’t be afraid, start the eviction process, contrary to popular belief, you do not need an attorney. Go to court a few times to watch the proceedings as well, so you don’t go in blindsided…
Clint
Re: Pay or Quit Notice needed - Posted by MM
Posted by MM on May 06, 2006 at 05:02:29:
I agree 100% with Joe. Hire a professional, and save your hair.
Re: Pay or Quit Notice needed - Posted by Pat
Posted by Pat on May 05, 2006 at 18:08:36:
Tim - I evicted a tenant in Virgina using a basic Pay or Quit form on the internet - make sure you record the mailing, preferably certified mail. Only you really need to verify is that you’ve sent a pay or quit. Then after 5 days file a Summons for Unlawful Detainer - Civil Claim for Eviction (all forms and process can be downloaded from county General District Court website - mine was in Spotsylvania County)
Once a judgement is granted, you may also need to pursue garnishment and forms/process for that is also on county website. You can’t garnish wages in all states, but I believe in VA you can (again, the county district court website can provide information).
Hope that helps a little - mine was a new experience, but also learned that using a lawyer would have cost significantly more and received the same results. Depends on your availabilty for time to file the paperwork and appear in court. Filing is inexpensive - about $38
Need more than that . . . - Posted by Joe Kaiser
Posted by Joe Kaiser on May 05, 2006 at 24:44:46:
Evictions are legal, technical, and highly problematic for someone who
doesn’t even know the first thing about it.
Save yourself a lot of time and money (and grief) and go hire the local
eviction lawyer or mill to get it done.
The courtroom is not the place to learn Landlord/Tenant 101.
Joe