5 Sneaky Ways to Make Tenants Want to Leave

Key takeaways

• Try alternatives before eviction: There are creative, legal ways to encourage a tenant to leave without going through a formal eviction (e.g., politely asking them, offering “cash for keys,” or raising the rent).
• “Cash for keys” can save time and money: Paying a tenant to move out is often cheaper and faster than a court eviction – for example, a typical eviction costs around $3,500 and takes months, whereas a cash incentive might be $500–$2,000 and resolve things within weeks.
• Stay within the law: If you must pursue an eviction, follow proper legal procedures (give required notices, file through the courts) – never take self-help measures like changing locks or shutting off utilities (these are illegal and can lead to penalties).
• Prevent problems early: The best way to handle bad tenants is to avoid them in the first place. Screen tenants thoroughly using tenant screening software, use a solid lease agreement, and enforce rules consistently to stop issues before they start.

In the world of property management, dealing with a problematic tenant can be one of a landlord’s biggest challenges. Fortunately, eviction is not the only option. 

Below, we explore several practical strategies to encourage tenants to leave on their own, saving you the hassle and cost of a formal eviction. We’ll also cover common reasons landlords want tenants out and proactive tips to avoid getting stuck with a bad tenant in the first place.

How to make a tenant want to leave

It is important to note that these approaches are not intended to circumvent the legal pathway or compromise the lease terms of your tenant. Rather, they offer alternative ways to get rid of bad tenants respectfully to avoid eviction court costs.

1. Ask politely

If you get along well with your tenants but need them to leave because of changes in your business plans, you can handle the situation without going through an eviction process. A good way to do this is by talking to them openly and asking if they would be willing to move out on their own accord.

By showing a willingness to make the moving process more manageable for them, you increase the chances of renegotiating the lease agreement to a shorter term. 

Maintaining a positive and respectful attitude during the conversation helps good tenants feel more comfortable and understand your reasons. 

Providing assistance will make the prospect of moving more appealing and create an opportunity for both parties to find themselves in a better situation.

2. Offer cash incentive

There comes a time when a tenant needs to vacate a property for several reasons. 

Whether you're selling the property or you're tired of dealing with unpaid rents, the tenant must move on. In such situations, giving a financial incentive is the most effective way to encourage a bad tenant to voluntarily leave without the need for filing for an eviction.

The concept behind this strategy is simple: you offer financial compensation to your tenants in exchange for their timely departure. 

It may appear counterintuitive to give money to problem tenants who already owe you in the first place. However, it is sometimes more beneficial to conclude the relationship swiftly by investing a bit more, rather than prolonging the matter through legal action.

3. Check for any illegal activity 

If your tenant is engaged in illegal activity, it can provide grounds for eviction and help get them out of the property sooner. 

You need to have detailed records of any evidence that demonstrates the tenant's engagement in illegal activities. This evidence can include photographs, videos, witness statements, police reports, or any other relevant documentation that supports your claims.

Depending on the severity of the illegal activity and the guidelines outlined in the lease agreement and state laws, serve the appropriate notice to the tenant. This might involve a notice to cure or quit, a notice of lease termination, or a specific notice addressing illegal activities. To ensure compliance, adhere to the legal procedures and timelines for serving eviction warning notices.

A lawyer who specializes in landlord-tenant law can provide valuable advice. They help ensure you follow proper legal procedures and guide you through the steps necessary to address the tenant's illegal activities.

4. Increase their rent

Sending a rent increase letter can also be a way to encourage bad tenants to move out.

Market comparison

When tenants see that the rent is much higher, they might start looking at other places to rent. If they find a similar or better place for a similar price, they might move there instead.

Choosing to Leave

Raising the rent gives a consistent message to tenants that the landlord takes different kinds of tenants or that the property is more valuable now. This might make troublesome tenants decide to leave on their own to avoid dealing with the higher cost or meeting the new requirements.

Financial impact

Bad tenants who cause problems or keep bothering the landlord for small things may not want to stay when the rent becomes more expensive. They might not think paying more for a place that gives them trouble is worth it.

It's important to note that some places restrict how much rent can be increased in a certain period. It's also crucial to communicate openly with tenants, address issues quickly, and follow proper procedures if eviction becomes necessary.

5. Propose legal recourse

When all else fails, note that you cannot forcibly remove tenants. Nonetheless, serving eviction warning notices may intimidate them. However, legal threats should be used as a last resort and always handled in compliance with the law. Acting within legal boundaries and seeking professional advice will help you navigate the process correctly and effectively.

First, seek legal advice to ensure you understand the proper actions to take. Consult a lawyer who can guide you on the best course of action and provide advice on handling the situation effectively.

In your communication with tenants, maintain a professional tone and avoid harsh or threatening language. Instead, show them the lease violation notices you have sent and their potential consequences. Communicate the importance of rectifying the situation or peacefully vacating the premises.

To strengthen your position, demonstrate that you consistently enforce your lease agreement. When they are paying rent late, promptly serve an eviction notice in accordance with the legal requirements. If necessary and the tenant refuses, proceed with filing the eviction in court once the mandatory waiting period has passed.

How do you serve an eviction notice?

Once you understand state laws surrounding an eviction process, you can consider serving eviction warning notices. Make sure the eviction notice includes all pertinent information.

You may deliver this notice in person or through certified mail. Keep records of all communication, such as delivery day, tenant responses, lease violation notices you have sent, and evidence of non-payment of rent.

If the tenant fails to comply with the eviction process, you may have to proceed with legal action. Either you file an eviction lawsuit or seek assistance from the local housing authority.

Reasons you want tenants out of your rental property

Many landlords may want their tenants to vacate a property for various reasons. Here are some of them:

Non-payment of rent

If tenants consistently fail to pay rent or are significantly behind on rent payments, a landlord may seek to remove them from the rental unit.

Lease violations

When tenants commit repeated lease violations, such as engaging in illegal activities on the premises, causing damaged property, or disturbing other tenants, a landlord may pursue eviction.

Property damage

If tenants cause substantial damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord may ask them to leave.

Unapproved subletting or unauthorized occupants

Suppose tenants sublet the property without the landlord's permission or allow unauthorized individuals to live on the premises. In that case, the landlord or property manager may take steps to have them vacate the property.

Breach of contractual obligations

If tenants fail to fulfill their contractual obligations, such as not maintaining the property as agreed or violating specific clauses in the lease, the property manager may consider removing them.

Renovations or major repairs

In some cases, landlords may want tenants to temporarily vacate the property to carry out substantial renovations or repairs that require the unit to be unoccupied.

Tips to avoid bad tenants

The best way to deal with problematic tenants is to avoid renting to them to begin with. While no screening method is foolproof, landlords can greatly reduce headaches by being proactive during the tenant selection and leasing process.

Here are some preventive measures to help ensure you get great tenants (and minimize the chance you’ll ever need the strategies above):

Final word

Dealing with a tenant you want out can be stressful, but remember that you have options beyond filing an eviction. From offering amicable solutions like cash for keys to using the proper legal notices, many landlords resolve issues before they ever reach a courtroom. The key is understanding these strategies and using them carefully and within the law.

If nothing else works, you can move forward with a formal eviction knowing you explored every reasonable alternative. With good planning and by selecting qualified tenants from the start using tools like DoorLoop's tenant screening services, you can greatly reduce the chances of reaching that point. Stay informed, stay professional, and protect your investment by choosing the right approach for each situation. 

With the guidance above, you can navigate tenant challenges confidently and keep your property running smoothly.