According to the Rental Housing Association of Utah, there were over 6,000 evictions in Utah in 2022. This represents a 39.5% increase from 2021.
Part of the reason for this is the easing of the ban on evictions implemented in 2020, but it's also related to ever-increasing rental prices. As a landlord, there are several reasons why you might end up evicting bad tenants.
Not only is this task unpleasant and stressful, but it also involves extra costs and a loss of income for landlords.
In light of this, you might ask, 'How long does it take to evict a tenant, anyway? Keep reading for the answer.
Grounds for Eviction in Utah
No landlord can evict a tenant without a good reason. In Utah, the following tenant problems are grounds for eviction:
- Non-payment of rent
- Illegal activities
- Violating the terms of the lease
- Illegal subleasing
- Staying in place after the lease ends
- Committing waste
In cases of non-payment or lease violations, the landlord must give the tenants a chance to rectify the situation or leave the property. The duration of this grace period is usually three days.
In all other cases, the tenant must leave the property within three days, except in the case of an expired lease, which requires a 15-day notice period.
If the tenants do not rectify the situation or leave the property within the specified time, the landlord may proceed with the eviction process.
The Eviction Process in Utah
Serving the tenant with a notice about their infringement is the first and easiest step in the eviction process. After that, the procedure gets more drawn out.
These are the steps involved:
- The landlord files a complaint with the court
- The court issues a summons
- The tenant files an answer
- A court hearing takes place
- The court issues an order for restitution
- The tenant must leave the property
In some cases, the court may order that the tenant reimburse the landlord for costs related to repairs, legal fees, and lost rental income.
How Long Does It Take To Evict a Tenant?
Each of these steps has a set procedure and time frame attached to it. There are two ways to file a complaint against a tenant.
You can file the complaint with the court and then serve the summons within four months. Alternatively, you can serve a copy of the filing document on the tenant and file the summons and complaint with the court within ten days.
Once they receive the summons, the tenant has three days to file an answer with the court, or the judge will rule in favor of the landlord.
The tenant has ten days after this to appeal the decision.
If the tenant answers the summons, the court has ten days to schedule an evidentiary hearing. A judicial officer can schedule a second hearing within two months of the first one if they see fit.
The court issues an Order for Restitution immediately after judgment, and the tenant has three days to comply.
Avoid Losses Due to Eviction
Now that you know the answer to the question, 'How long does it take to evict a tenant? it makes sense to avoid this procedure if you can.
An experienced property manager will help you do this by screening tenants carefully before signing a lease. They may also offer eviction protection plans to help you recover some of the costs involved in evicting tenants.
Get in touch for assistance with all your property management needs in Utah.
