Tampa Ejectments Lawyer
There is considerable confusion about the different methods available to Florida landlords seeking to force someone off property, and ejectment is perhaps the one that is most misunderstood. This concept is similar to eviction, but the key difference is that there is no lease agreement or landlord-tenant relationship. Ejectment involves a person who was allowed by the tenant to stay on the property or gained access through other means; now, he or she is holding over through some claim of right to remain. Under the circumstances, the property owner must comply with Florida statutes on ejectment to retain possession and oust the holdover.
Unfortunately, the ejectment process is extremely complex and loaded with pitfalls. To prevent errors and protect your interests, retaining experienced legal representation is crucial. Our team at the Seward Law Office, P.A. is committed to serving clients throughout Hillsborough County in a wide range of landlord-tenant matters, so please contact our office to set up a consultation. A Tampa ejectments lawyer can provide details, and a legal summary may be helpful.
Ejectment Laws and Legal Steps in the Process
Probably the biggest challenge for the property owner in an ejectment matter is that the person remaining in the space is alleging that he or she is entitled to stay. If there is any proof to this claim, the property owner could run into serious problems by not following the applicable laws. However, the most common scenario involving ejectment occurs among couples and family members. A falling out or breakup of the relationship might put you in the position to initiate an ejectment to remove an unwelcome guest.
The process generally works as follows:
- The property owner files a complaint as plaintiff, outlining the relevant facts and requesting that the court issue an order for ejectment.
- The party holding over in the space has 20 days after being served with the complaint to respond to the allegations.
- If the holdover does not file an answer, the judge may enter a default judgment and order the person to leave.
- When an answer is filed, the court will conduct a trial and allow both sides to present evidence.
- Unless the person in possession can prove his or her right to the property, the owner can move forward with a writ of possession. This is an order instructing the sheriff to forcibly remove the person and belongings from the property.
Trust a Tampa Ejectments Attorney for Details
Time is of the essence for a property owner who wants to collect rent or a resident who wants an unwelcome guest out. The Seward Law Office, P.A. will handle all necessary tasks to support your position, including investigations, document preparation, and appearances in court.
Speak to a Florida Ejectments Lawyer for Additional Details
As you can see, skilled legal counsel is critical no matter what side you occupy in an ejectment case. For more information on how we can support you through the process, please contact the Seward Law Office, P.A. in Tampa or St. Petersburg, FL. You can call 813-252-6789 or visit us online to set up a consultation with a knowledgeable ejectments attorney.
