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<p>I have a holdover tenant whose lease has expired (Volusia County, Fl). I am familiar with normal procedure for non-payment of rent (ie. 3-day notice, then motion for writ of possession). But is there a quicker method for a holdover? By the way, they have done material damage to the property, have not paid anything for this holdover period and owe back rent as well. Thanks for your soonest.</p><p>Also, what are propert forms and proper notice (time and forms) in an attempt to evict for holdover? </p><p> </p>
Optional Information: State/Country relating to question: Florida Already Tried: In this case, I had been trying to get the tenant to do side work to compensate for some of the $$ in arrears. The work never matched the amount owed. I was about to do a normal eviction for non-payment of rent, then realized the end of the lease was soon upon us. Last week (before 1st) they said they would be out this week. They have not left, nor are there any signs of them preparing to leave.
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The three florid statutes that govern how holdover tenants are evicted are at the link below. You still have to go through the formal notice and eviction process but if you win you can ask for double the rent during the holdover period.
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=tenant+and+double&URL=0000-0099/0083/Sections/0083.58.html
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=tenant%20and%20double&URL=0000-0099/0083/Sections/0083.59.html
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=tenant+and+double&URL=0000-0099/0083/Sections/0083.06.html
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Maverick,
Thanks for your info. I am familiar with the 3 areas in the fl statutes to which you aimed me as I have had to do evictions before, but never due to holdover. I'm not certain of the process you are suggesting when you say 'you still need to file the formal notice and eviction'. Is this the same procedure I would do in a normal eviction.
After many years of experience, I know I won't get any $$ out of these folks and its not worth the effort. Just looking for the most expeditious route to take. I have alredy given them their 30day notice of termination (year lease ending 1/31/11), followed up with another 2 weeks prior to end of lease.
Can I put in a motion for writ of possession with an explanation or is there something else I need to do?
The second link above states the following:
(1) If the Rental Agreement is terminated and the tenant does not vacate the premises, the landlord may recover possession of the dwelling unit as provided in this section.
So according to the statute there is no short cut method for evicting a holdover tenant. You have to file a suit for eviction just as if they had failed to pay rent.
Experience: Over 13 years experience in civil law.