There could be any number of reasons why you the Landlord ends up in Court. Whether you start the proceedings or not, you must follow certain steps in bringing forth your case.
The TENANT can also bring a case against you and also has to follow certain steps.

These steps usually include:

  • Service of notices and petitions
  • Filing of forms
  • Going to court
  • Making your case and receiving judgements.

(I will add case experiences as they crop up)

Non Payment of Rent

This is the most typical one for a Landlord vs Tenant court action. What you SHOULD ALWAYS have with a Tenant is a LEASE. Everything should be clear in the Lease including addendums to be added and made part of the Lease.

When you and your Tenant(s) sign the Lease, give them a “signed” copy. The best thing to do would be to make them a copy on the spot, or you all can sign two copies. Take your time, make sure ALL the signing or initialling spots are signed and initialed.

The Lease should take effect with the SIGNING and deliverance of a COPY to the Tenants.  Apparently there is no Three-Days to consider. [citation needed]

For Steps and Information on Going to Court for Non Payment of Rent, go to this page: Before Starting a Non Payment Summary Proceeding

Once you are clear on what you can and cannot do, look at this page called E-Z Eviction.