First time kicking someone out. Sample letter?

Question

Hi there. Posed a bit before about our tenants with cockroaches. We closed on the property yesterday. I misspoke in my initial post - the tenants are actually NOT under lease. It expired in September '14. I read the How to evict a tenant post but it really addresses non-payment/eviction. Since we are just ending a month to month, I'm wondering what, if any formal steps we are required to take or if its as simple as just putting a letter in the mailbox that gives them 30 days to find a new place. Anyone have a sample letter?

Thinking we will wait til July 1, give them 30 days and also offer their deposit back to hopefully avoid any headaches with it.

Fingers crossed it doesn't get ugly. Thanks for any advice!

Thinking we will wait til July 1, give them 30 days and also offer their deposit back to hopefully avoid any headaches with it.

Fingers crossed it doesn't get ugly. Thanks for any advice!

Franklin Romine · Answer

Ashly B.

Cash for keys will probably be quicker.  Frank

Jon Holdman · Answer

Yep, start the eviction process as soon as your local laws and the lease allows.

Ashly B. · Answer

Don't really see how that's any different. If we gave notice 10 days before rent is due, and they don't pay July, we start the eviction process the first day of missed rent. If we give notice July 2, we wait until Aug. 1 to find out if they're going to move or not and then start the eviction process... either way, you're starting the eviction process at the beginning of the month and having missed rent that month.

Account Closed · Answer

I always wait until after rent is paid for the month before I give someone notice to move out.  You may still have to evict them the following month if they stay and don't pay, but at least you get your rent for the month of the notice.

Ashly B. · Answer

So we delivered the letter June 18 giving them until July 31 if they pay rent on time for July. Talked to them in person June 29 and they were suspiciously nice about us ending tenancy. Just said no problem.

Fast forward to today, its July 2 and July rent has not been paid. I'm normally not so stickler but since we're ending their tenancy, I have to imagine they are just planning to not pay. I kind of expected this might happen. What now? Is our next step to start the eviction process for non-payment?

Ashly B. · Answer

Thanks @Matt Holmer. This helps. I was hoping to just drop a letter in the mailbox so I'll confirm that's acceptable in Polk county.

Matt Holmer · Answer

This is not legal advise, but Here is a link to the form approved by Scott County Iowa for providing the 30 day notice. You'll way to verify what method of service is required in your county. Likely certified and regular mail would be sufficient.

First time kicking someone out. Sample letter?

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