Renting a property in Tampa, Florida? It’s important to understand the local eviction process. We’re here to simplify it for you—covering common reasons for eviction, tips to avoid it, the step-by-step process, and Tampa moving companies ready to assist if needed.
Table of Contents
Reasons for Eviction
There are many reasons you can be evicted in Tampa, FL. Let’s talk about some of the most common reasons for eviction.
- Non-Payment of Rent- If a tenant misses a rent payment, the landlord must give a three-day notice to pay the overdue amount or vacate the property. If the tenant does neither, the landlord can proceed with an eviction lawsuit.
- End of Lease / No Lease- A landlord can evict a tenant if their lease has ended or if there is no lease in place. In this case, the landlord must provide a 15-day notice.
- Violating Lease Terms- If a tenant breaks the terms of the lease, the landlord can issue a seven-day notice to correct the violation or leave the property.
How to Avoid Eviction
In some cases, in Tampa, an eviction can be for a curable violation, meaning the tenant can resolve the issue and avoid eviction. Common examples include parking in unauthorized areas, having an unauthorized pet, or failing to keep the property clean.
However, incurable violations such as repeated offenses or illegal activities do not offer this option. In these cases, the tenant must vacate the property within the specified time frame, or the landlord can proceed with the eviction process.
Steps of the Eviction Process in Tampa, FL
The eviction process in Tampa, FL, can be complex and requires following specific steps. Here’s a breakdown of the entire process.
Step 1: Providing Written Notice
The first step in the Tampa eviction process is providing the tenant with a written notice. This notice must include details about the issue or violation and the time frame for the tenant to vacate the property. The notice can be delivered in person, sent electronically, or posted in a visible spot like the front door. The landlord should also keep a copy of the notice as proof of delivery.
Step 2: Filing the Eviction Lawsuit
If the tenant does not move out by the deadline, the next step is for the landlord to file an eviction lawsuit in the county where the property is located. This can usually be done online through the county court’s website.
The lawsuit paperwork must include:
- The names of the landlord and tenant
- The rental property address
- The reason for eviction
- Details of any previous eviction notices
The documents must be notarized before being submitted to the county sheriff’s office.
Step 3: Summons and Complaints are Served
Once the summons and complaint are served by the authorities, the tenant has five days to respond or contest the eviction. If the tenant disputes the claims, this can delay the eviction process or even halt it if the court finds the landlord’s accusations to be false.
If the tenant does not contest the complaint, the eviction process proceeds to the next step without delay.
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Step 4: Court Hearing and Judgment
The next step in the Tampa eviction process is the court hearing, where the landlord seeks a judgment for possession of the property. Both the landlord and tenant must attend the hearing and bring relevant documents, such as:
- A copy of the lease agreement
- The written eviction notice
- Any evidence supporting their case
If the tenant fails to appear at the hearing, the judge will typically rule in favor of the landlord by default.
Step 5: Write of Possession is Posted
In the case where the court rules in favor of the landlord, a writ of possession will be posted. This is a court order that will be served by the county sheriff. The tenant will get 24 hours to leave the property, or they’ll be forcefully removed by local authorities.
Step 6: Property is Returned
The final step in the Tampa eviction process has two possible outcomes:
- Tenant Remains: If the tenant hasn’t vacated, they’ll be forcibly removed by authorities, and the property will be returned to the landlord.
- Tenant Has Vacated: If the tenant has already left, an officer will secure the unit by placing a padlock on it, restoring full possession to the landlord.
Emergency Moving Companies in Tampa, FL
Whether you’re a landlord or tenant going through the eviction process in Tampa, FL you may need to hire a moving company to assist with the transition. Fortunately, Tampa offers a variety of moving companies to choose from. Here are some of the top options to consider for your post-eviction move.
Established Moving and Storage
Established Moving and Storage is a Tampa-based moving company that specializes in eviction-related services. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, they offer tailored solutions to assist with the eviction process. For landlords, they can quickly clear out properties within a day. For tenants, they provide same-day moving services to help relocate items or store them, ensuring the tenant can vacate the property within the 24-hour time frame.
Load Up Junk Removal
Load Up Junk Removal is a Tampa moving company that specializes in assisting landlords after an eviction, especially when a tenant leaves behind a large amount of belongings. Their services include heavy lifting, item loading, transport, valet, and proper disposal. The company prioritizes environmentally friendly practices by recycling and donating items when possible. If you’re a landlord in need of help clearing out an evicted property, Load Up Junk Removal is an ideal choice to ensure a thorough and eco-conscious clean-out.
UniMovers
UniMovers is a great option in Tampa, FL if you’re looking for a labor-only moving company. With hourly rates that are 30-50% cheaper than traditional moving services, UniMovers offers affordable solutions. Their services include assembly and disassembly, loading and unloading, and all the heavy lifting involved in your move. If you’re at the earlier stages of an eviction and have more than 24 hours to complete your move, consider hiring UniMovers for an efficient and cost-effective solution.
Conclusion
Tampa evictions can be challenging for both landlords and tenants. There are various reasons for eviction, some of which can be resolved if addressed within a specific time frame. The eviction process itself includes six key steps, from providing a written notice to the property being returned to the landlord.
To make the process easier, consider hiring a Tampa moving company. Their services can help alleviate the stress of both eviction and moving. While evictions are never simple, with the right knowledge and assistance, the eviction process in Tampa can go smoothly.
FAQ
Unfortunately, not every moving company has services to help with evictions. In most cases, the moving company must have same-day moving services that are on call to help in emergency situations.
To avoid eviction, the key is to pay your rent on time, ensure you have a proper lease in place, and comply with the lease terms. If you’ve already received an eviction notice, you may still have a chance to resolve the issue by correcting the violation. This is not guaranteed and usually applies only if you have a clean record with minimal violations.
Yes, authorities are involved in the eviction process in Tampa, as they serve the summons and complaints to tenants. However, their role may vary in later steps depending on how cooperative the tenant is with the eviction process.
Jessica is a students at the University of Northern Iowa. She is majoring in English Education with a creative writing minor. In her free time she loves to read books of every genre, write short stories, and spend time with friends. In the future she hopes to share her love for reading and writing with her future students.
