Most tenants believe the only way they will be evicted is if they don’t pay the rent. Even though not paying the rent will result in an eviction, there are many other causes for evictions. Here are a couple non common reasons you could be evicted.
The Cat Came Back
Many apartments and rental property management companies have a strict non-pet policy, because they don’t want animals to damage the property. That doesn’t stop some crafty tenants from bringing home a new puppy from the shelter or sneaking in a cat or two. What’s the harm? Most people don’t think they’re doing anything wrong, but unfortunately your sweet new pet could be a major lease violation; one that can get you in big trouble for damage to the property if Fido stains the carpet or Fluffy tears up the drywall. Tenants will receive warnings to remove their pet from the premises, but if you neglect to do so, you could find yourself with a nasty eviction notice and an impending court date!
Secret Roommate
We’ve all been there. A couple of friends or family members need a place to crash for a few days, but a few days turns into a month and before you know it, you’ve got new roommates. Or maybe you’ve decided to take your relationship to the next level and let your boyfriend or girlfriend move in with you. It’s okay if they’re helping pay rent, right? Wrong. Many property management companies have occupancy standards that only allow a certain number of people to live in a space. Even if you tell everyone to lay low, it’s only a matter of time before the Santa Barbara rental agencies finds out and asks you to give your roommate(s) the boot. Sadly, if they don’t move out, you all move out since the landlord has the right to evict you for violating your lease.