Tenants Rights To Prevent A Eviction
Most tenants face eviction process as a result of non-payment of rent, breach of lease terms, creation of a health or safety hazards or even a personal dispute between the tenant and landlord. In addition , the state attorney, the county attorney, or community associations may brings an eviction action against tenants who are involved in serious offences such as prostitutions, child trafficking or drug peddling. |
|
Before a tenant is physically evicted from his/her apartment or room, the landowner must go through a court's legal process. If the landlord had initiated eviction process against the tenant, the tenant will receive an official summons to attend the hearing. The summons may be served to the tenant in person, but most often it is mailed or posted on the rental apartment or room.
Once served the tenant has only five days to answer the summons. The court gives you chance to tell your side of the story. If the tenant fails to file a convincing answer, a default judgment will be taken against the tenant. The tenant will be evicted shortly after that. If the tenant files a convincing answer within the stipulated time period, the tenant will receive a notice of trial from the court. Before the trail begins the tenant has the opportunity to negotiate with the landlord and settle the case, outside of court, on mutually agreeable terms and conditions.
Once the trial begins in court the tenant may be able to diminish the landlord’s probability of winning a lawsuit. Perhaps the tenant can point out landlord’s illegal behavior, such as not maintaining the rental property in habitable and safe conditions. Some tenants will bring counter-claim against a landlord’s response to eviction. A counter-claim may contend that the eviction should be stopped, on the basis that it is a "retaliatory eviction" resulting from the tenant’s complaint to a government agency about violations of housing codes by landlords.
Tenants have many rights that prevent landlords from carrying out illegal eviction. Many tenants are protected from illegal eviction because of a lengthy residence. Enhanced protection exists for elderly persons (above 60 years), disabled, severely ill, pregnant women, or tenants who have children living with them. Landlords must respect these laws and recognize the rights of tenants. Tenants can also get help from the council, a housing aid centre, a Citizens Advice Bureau, of other advice center. Use the advice services directory to find an agency near you.
More Articles :
|
Tenants Rights To Prevent A Eviction
