Generally speaking, our housing laws were designed primarily to protect individuals and to regulate powerful interests.  That sounds like a reasonable proposition, but one day most long-term investors wake up and realize "hey...in the eyes of the government I'm the powerful interest!" 

So, Mr. Landlord, when you run into a problem with a tenant who doesn't pay or who trashes your property you might feel like the deck is stacked against you.  But if you're familiar with your local housing laws (which vary from state to state) and play by the rules you'll find that you can get through the eviction process in as little as three weeks. 

The procedure as local variations, but here's what it looks like in Texas:

In my opinion the key step in this process is the first one: filing the Pay or Quit notice or the Cure or Quit notice.  If done right this can be just the nudge (or kick in the backside, as the case may be) that can help your tenant realize that the first check he pays every month needs to be the one that keeps a roof over his head.  A clear, well worded letter with just the right threatening tone, followed up with a phone call, can work wonders.  And, it's a required step if you want to proceed with a full eviction later. 

Related Links

• Navigating the Eviction Maze
• Establishing Ground Rules with your Tenants