Writing an Eviction Letter? 5 Tips to Make Sure You Get Your Point Across

There comes a time when a landlord must take matters into their own hands and issue an eviction notice to a problem tenant.

This can be a daunting situation to face and it must be done carefully and by the book.

Keep reading to understand exactly how an eviction letter should be written to get your point across.

1: Is the Eviction Above Board?

Make sure, before deciding to go ahead with the eviction letter, that you are aware everything is legal and above board.

Landlords must be aware that there are different laws and rules depending on which province you are operating in. It’s up to you to check all of these laws before proceeding with writing your eviction notice letter.

The laws will help you write it – stating what types of violations lead to evictions, notice period rules and other information. 

2: Set an Eviction Time Frame

The time frame you can evict someone within depends on the reason you give for it.

Where severe intentional damage to property has been carried out, you can likely give a tenant just a 5-day notice to quit the property.

A notice to quit eviction letter lays out the fact that the tenants cannot remedy the situation. It is likely a case that they have violated their renting terms once or more times before.

A notice to cure or quit is a letter used when you are offering the tenant the chance to fix the violation.

You can lay out a timeframe for them to do this, warning them that if the damage remains after that time, they will be evicted.

A notice to pay or quit is used when you are owed rent by the tenant. You give them a timeframe in which to provide the money and if they pay after this time you can still file to evict.

3: What is the Violation?

You must determine and make clear precisely what the violation is and why you will be evicting your tenant. This could be anything from a tenant violating the terms of their lease, failing to pay rent or causing damage to your property.

4: Collate the Correct Information

You must set out everything clearly in the letter, based on the research you will have carried out about the laws in the province you rent your property. 

Once you know the notice period and whether you are going to give the tenant the chance to fix the matter before having to evict them, you must be sure this is laid out clearly in the letter.

Also, check how to deliver this notice.

5: Write and Deliver the Eviction Letter

In the letter, ensure that the property address is clearly set out at the top, as well as the names of the landlord and tenants you are addressing it to.

Make sure the date is clearly states as well as the precise violation.

Layout what options – if any – the tenants have and how long they have to rectify the matter (if any).

Explain the repercussions of ignoring the eviction letter as well as who to contact with questions.

More Tips

With our tips on how to write an eviction letter, you’re ready to start proceedings.

But if you’re looking for more tips on property management, be sure to check out our blog.

From the best ways to attract great tenants, to how to be an ideal renter, we’ve got you covered.