Eviction Law in Fort Wayne, IN
What Is an Eviction?
An eviction is the forceful exiting of tenants following an issued notice by the property owner or landlord. Evictions usually come as a result of failure to pay rent, or from violations of the lease agreement. However, evicting a problem tenant can be a long and costly experience as landlord-tenant laws favor tenants. Getting a better understanding of how Fort Wayne, Indiana eviction law can help.
Even though eviction notices happen as a result of serious problems with the tenant, not all eviction notices lead to an actual eviction. Oftentimes, eviction notices serve as a final warning for the tenant. If the tenant can then pay rent, or begin to follow the lease agreement, they may avoid eviction.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
If a delinquent Fort Wayne, IN tenant frequently pays rent late, or has not paid rent at all, there is a good reason for eviction. Some states do have a grace period for an occasional late payment. However, if a tenant makes a habit of always paying late, that grace period does not apply and the property owner can provide an eviction notice.
Indiana code does not provide for a statutory grace period for late rent. Consequently, a Fort Wayne landlord can legally charge a late fee as soon as rent is past due. Additionally, a landlord may terminate the lease with no less than ten days notice to the tenant if the tenant refuses or neglects to pay rent when due.
You should always provide your tenant with “late rent” notices and keep a copy for yourself in your files. That way, if the eviction case goes to court, you have paper evidence of their failure to pay rent on time.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
Lease agreements are legal contracts. This means if your tenant violates the contract in any way, it can be grounds for eviction. For example, if your lease agreement says that your tenant cannot have an additional person living in the unit, and they violate that rule, you can begin the eviction notice process.
The lease agreement is also legally binding for the landlord. This means that any Fort Wayne landlord must also follow the rules laid out in the agreement, such as making repairs, and performing maintenance written into the lease.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Tenants are going to cause damage to the property; it’s unavoidable. Wear and tear when living in a home is normal. Still, there’s a difference between scratches on the wall or broken blinds, and intentional destruction of property.
If it’s clear that your tenant is causing severe damage to your property, such as breaking through walls or smashing windows, this may be cause for eviction. However, if your tenant makes repairs themselves, and doesn’t make any major changes to the property, this might not be grounds for eviction.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
If your tenant is using your Fort Wayne property for illegal purposes, such as selling drugs or weapons, this can be clear grounds for eviction. Reporting the issue might also bring criminal charges against the tenant.
However, you should prepare to provide evidence that the tenant is using the property for illegal purposes. If law enforcement came to the property to address these issues at any time, these reports can prove helpful.
How to Evict a Tenant in Fort Wayne, Indiana
If you want to evict a tenant for any reason, then you need to understand the eviction process. Here’s how it works.
Step 1. Check Your Local Laws
Eviction laws are different in each state and can also vary at the city level. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local laws before taking any action. Always ensure you have a legally valid reason for eviction before giving notice. A qualified Fort Wayne, IN attorney can help review your case to determine if you do.
According to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Fort Wayne tenants have a right to a safe and clean dwelling. Additionally, a Fort Wayne landlord must provide heat, water, appliances, as well as sanitary, plumbing, and electrical systems. As a tenant, you have the right to access your rental property at all times. A landlord cannot legally deny a tenant access by means of changing locks, barring windows, or removing doors. Furthermore, a landlord can only interrupt the supply of utilities through a court order.
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
If you have tried to reason with your tenants and they continue to violate the terms of your lease, you should then provide them with a formal notice of eviction. Your eviction notice will serve as an ultimatum or final warning. It should explain how your tenant is in violation, as well as what they can do to stop the eviction process.
The eviction notice should also include a deadline for the tenant to either pay rent or move out, and the amount that the tenant owes. If you’re unsure of how to create an eviction notice, you can use online templates or seek legal advice.
A Fort Wayne landlord must provide the tenant with a 10-day written Notice to Quit for non-payment evictions. For other evictions, the landlord must give a month-to-month tenant a 30-day written notice. Under Indiana code, the landlord should serve the notice to the tenant directly. Alternatively, the landlord can serve the notice to another adult residing on the premises. If no one is available, the landlord can place it on the door or another conspicuous spot on the property. The landlord can then file an action with the Allen County Clerk of Court. The landlord must arrange to formally serve the tenant with a notice of the lawsuit.
Step 3. File the Eviction With the Court
You must file the eviction notice with the court within a few days. The court will then set a hearing date and will notify the tenant of the hearing by a summons. The Allen County Superior Court Civil Division hears disputes between tenants and landlords in Fort Wayne. Landlords can file for an eviction hearing in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Superior Court.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced Fort Wayne, Indiana Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
You should find an attorney as soon as possible to help you prepare for the hearing. Then, when you go to the hearing, you should bring the following documents:
- Lease agreements
- Records of payments
- Bounced checks
- Record of communication between you and the tenant
- Record of the eviction notice
- Proof that the tenant received the notice
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
If you’ve won the hearing, your tenant will have time to move out of your property. The amount of time allowed is dependent on the state, but it typically ranges from 48 hours to one week. If the tenant refuses to leave, you can contact Fort Wayne, IN law enforcement to forcibly remove them from the property.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
If your tenant owes you rent money, you may still have a long fight ahead to collect past-due payments. You can try to collect these payments through a number of methods:
- Hiring a private debt collector
- Garnishing their tax refunds
- Garnishing their wages
- Taking the case to small claims court
Work With an Experienced Eviction Attorney In Fort Wayne, Indiana
The tenant will likely try to argue that you did not follow proper procedures for providing an eviction notice. Having a qualified Fort Wayne attorney on your side can take the pressure off your back, and help ensure a victory in court. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Indiana state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!