How to Legally Remove a Problematic Tenant – A Step-by-Step Guide for Agents

When tenants cause problems
(noise / unpaid rent / pets / smoking, etc.)
You want to terminate the lease
But the owner is too kind and refuses to evict
And the one who suffers is us, the agents
Who have to handle complaints every single month
The commission we get basically buys paracetamol instead of lunch
.

So if you want to move the tenant out of the property
in a way that’s safe for the owner
and easy for the agent to do on their behalf
Just follow this, okay?
.

#Things Agents Should Do for the Owner

1. Notify the tenant that
   you’re terminating the lease due to...
   In writing
   Include clear steps you’ll take
   Screenshot + highlight the clause that’s violated
   (Line message counts as written notice too)
   .

2. Inform the building management to cut water and electricity
   (The rental contract should clearly state that the landlord has the right to cut utilities and lock the room in case of non-payment or breach of contract)
   .

You can only act
if it’s written in the lease.
Draft strong contracts
Don’t assume that “if X can do it, I can too”...
It might backfire 🤣
.

2. If the owner authorizes the agent to act on their behalf
   Include a copy of the owner’s ID + signed power of attorney
   .

3. Agent files a police daily report
   (You can now do this online)
   .

4. Agent sends ID copy + POA + police report to building management
   So the building can go take photos + video for evidence
   (At this step, tenant's belongings cannot be moved out yet!)
   .

5. Meanwhile, send written notice + the video from management
   telling the tenant to move out within 7 days
   .

6. If after 7 days the tenant still hasn’t moved
   acts clueless or refuses to cooperate
   Have the agent go with the building staff
   to move the belongings into the building’s storage
   or leave with the police station
   or have the agent arrange storage elsewhere
   (This can be done even if the tenant is not home)
   .

7. If there’s unpaid rent/water/electricity
   File a lawsuit at the civil court under Civil Procedure Code Section 55
   (Don’t go to the police station – it’s not under their jurisdiction)
   .

Unpaid dues are separate from the security deposit.
The deposit covers contract breach only
Unpaid rent/utilities/internet is another matter
Don’t lump them together
You’ll need to pursue collection separately
.

#Common Misconceptions

1. Entering your own unit without permission just because you own it

2. Doing anything that violates tenant rights without having it written in the lease
   .

#Things You Should Do

1. Clearly explain what rights landlords have before signing any lease

2. Take photos, inspect the property, and write an Inventory List
   before allowing the tenant to move in
   .

#Red Flags of a Risky Tenant

1. Wants to split the security deposit into multiple payments

2. Requests 1-month deposit (claiming their friend got it too)

3. Has unstable income or works in industries sensitive to economic changes
   (This is why you should always ask about their job)
   .

(Someone's gonna ask this again in 2 days 🙄)

.

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