Getting a new tenant into a rental unit can be a costly and time-consuming process. Landlords have to show the unit and then check the applications of prospective tenants. They may need to engage in deep cleaning or make repairs before a new tenant takes occupancy.
It is usually in the landlord’s best interests to keep tenants in the unit for as long as possible. However, sometimes the landlord must do the opposite. There are numerous issues in which an Ohio landlord may want to remove a tenant from their property. State law places that certain restrictions on eviction proceedings.
When can Ohio landlords ask the court to permit the removal of a tenant and possibly all of their possessions?
When the tenant doesn’t pay rent
Perhaps the most obvious reason the landlord would evict a tenant is due to the non-payment of rent. A landlord would much rather have someone in the unit paying rent and then a tenant who comes up short or pays their rent late every month. Landlords who can show that tenants have missed multiple payments can ask the courts to evict the tenants, depending on the terms set forth in the lease.
When the tenant violates the lease
Leases often have clauses restricting what a tenant can do at the property. For example, landlords might have a no-pet policy, meaning that tenants can’t bring in a new cat. They might restrict how many guests a tenant can have or limit the number of overnight stays by people not on the lease.
If a tenant violates the written terms of the lease, a landlord can potentially evict them if they have documentation of the breach. The same is true for a situation where the tenant has caused substantial damage to the rental unit beyond what the security deposit would cover.
When a tenant violates the law
Ohio state law specifically protects the rights of landlords to evict tenants participating in criminal drug activity. The property of a landlord could be at risk of civil asset forfeiture in scenarios involving drug crimes at their property. Other criminal activity could also be grounds for an eviction under Ohio law.
Landlords hoping to remove problem tenants need to have grounds for that removal and documentation to prove why they want to evict an existing tenant. Knowing your rights as a landlord can help you protect your property and your income.