Commercial tenants occupy office spaces and buildings solely for business use. Unlike residential tenants, commercial tenants have no statutory rights regarding conditions and services. However, if conditions are deplorable and untenable, commercial tenants may vacate the property and break their lease. Property owners wishing to evict commercial tenants at the end of the lease agreement have the right to do so but should do so in adherence to the laws of the states in which they reside.
Instructions
1. Check the lease agreement between you and your tenant to ensure that the lease has, in fact, ended. Issue a landlord notice that reminds the tenant that the lease has ended and states why the lease will not be renewed (redevelopment, landlord's personal use, etc.)
2. Serve an eviction notice allowing the time mandated by state law for the tenant to vacate the property, depending on the laws of the state in which you live. Type up the eviction notice yourself and be sure to sign it. Hand deliver the notice to your tenant. Also, consider serving the notice through your sheriff's office for a small fee or mail the notice via certified mail.
3. Prepare a checklist of what you want to evaluate at the property when you plan you your walk-through. Prioritize your check of the property before the tenant vacates. Inform the tenant of the time and date you will be visiting the property. Have other dates and times as options in the event the tenant is unavailable. Visit the property and make notes of any damages you encounter.
4. Inform the tenant of these damages and that you, therefore, will be holding on to a portion or all (depending on the amount and severity of the damages) of the security deposit to make needed repairs.
