What is an Eviction Letter?

An eviction letter, also called an eviction notice, is the first step in the legal eviction process. When an eviction notice is served, a tenant is informed they need to vacate the property by a given date. 

An eviction letter serves as a record of the notification a tenant received of their pending eviction. In the event a tenant refuses to comply, a landlord may need to take legal action and they will want proof that an eviction letter has been served. 

In order to prove that the letter was in fact delivered, landlords will often send eviction letters via certified mail with proof of receipt.

There are a variety of reasons that a tenant may get evicted, but these reasons typically fall within two categories: a financial violation or a material violation. These can include but are not limited to: 

  • Failure to pay rent
  • Violation of the lease
  • Property damage 
  • Reports of illegal activity conducted on the premises 

When to Serve an Eviction Letter

An eviction notice with cause can be served after the landlord has evidence that the tenant has violated the lease agreement. The eviction letter is often served after the landlord has decided to move forward with a formal eviction. 

Before a formal eviction process is started, landlords will usually provide tenants with a warning notice that outlines the lease violations. These notices are referred to as “curable notices” and give tenants the chance to remedy their infractions before taking the more drastic step of eviction proceedings.

 

What to Include in an Eviction Letter

As a landlord or property manager, it’s essential for you to draw up an air-tight eviction notice. That means you must follow any state or local statutes pertaining to the issue, and you must also include all of the following information:

  • Address of the property
  • Date of the letter
  • Tenant names
  • State the lease was executed in and date the lease was signed
  • What is the reason for eviction
  • Why the eviction notice is served
  • Date tenant must vacate the property 
  • Proof of service or delivery of notice

 

Eviction Letter Template Example

[Tenant(s) Name]

[Tenant(s) Address]

[City/State/Zip]

 

[Date]

 

Notice Date: [Date Tenant Served]

 

Dear [Tenant(s) Name(s):

This eviction notice is in reference to the lease signed on 2023 for the following property [tenant address]. The lease violation is described as: [reason for eviction] It is required that within [number] days that you [demand resolution] 

If you do not fix or cure the issue within the specified time period, you will be required to vacate the premises immediately or an eviction action may be filed against you.

You are further notified that if you fail to perform or otherwise comply with the demands in this notice, that the landlord may file legal proceedings and a judgment may be made against you. Any judgment may also include the landlord’s costs and attorney’s fees for filing an eviction action.

 

 Sincerely, 

 

[Property Manager or Owner’s Signature]

[Property Manager or Owner’s Name]

[Property Manager or Owner’s Address]

[City/State/Zip]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

 

 

METHOD OF SERVICE: (check one)

 ☐ – Posted on Door [Date Served] 

 ☐ – Hand-Delivered on  [Date Served] 

 ☐ – Certified Mail (with return receipt)  [Date Served] 

[Signature]

Eviction Letter Example

Grace Givens

1909 Gracen Landing, Apt 12

Austin, TX 78787

June 18, 2021

 

Notice Date: June 17, 2021

Dear Grace Givens:

This eviction notice is in reference to the lease signed on April 15, 2021 for the following property 1909 Gracen Landing Apt. 12, Austin, TX 78787. The lease violation is described as: non-payment of rent.  It is required that within 5 days that you pay all rent monies due along with late fees in the amount of $1,257.00.

If you do not fix or cure the issue within the specified time period, you will be required to vacate the premises immediately or an eviction action may be filed against you.

You are further notified that if you fail to perform or otherwise comply with the demands in this notice, that the landlord may file legal proceedings and a judgment may be made against you. Any judgment may also include the landlord’s costs and attorney’s fees for filing an eviction action.

 

 Sincerely, 

Stan Wilson

Stan Wilson

Wilson Property Management

3456 Ranger Blvd

Austin, TX 78787

[email protected]

888-999-0000

METHOD OF SERVICE: (check one)

 X – Posted on Door June 17, 2021

 ☐ – Hand-Delivered on  [Date Served] 

 ☐ – Certified Mail (with return receipt)  [Date Served] 

 

Stan Wilson

 

Please note that mandates during the COVID pandemic prevented Property Managers from sending routine eviction notices for tenants in breach of their rental agreement. The COVID mandates for most states have been lifted and Switch has provided a streamlined method for Property Managers to easily send eviction notices with tracking in our dashboard while saving both time and money.

Looking for more property manager resources? Check out our other blog posts.