Bob is a hardworking 35-year-old engineer. He has been a tenant at this establishment for a few years now. He abides by all rules and is a responsible tenant.

Problems faced by Bob: He’s facing an eviction problem because his landlord, Steve, claims that Bob violated the lease terms previously agreed to by having a pet. Despite explaining that the pet is actually an emotional support animal, Bob continues to face problems with Steve. He feels overwhelmed and is unaware of what his tenant rights are in the US. He seems worried about the legal process. 

Question: So, what can Bob do?

Solution: Bob needs to find himself a good eviction lawyer. So, who is an eviction attorney/lawyer?

An eviction attorney/lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in tenancy law in the United States, or other nations. They may help landlords and tenants with eviction cases or other tenancy-related disputes. They are experts in the field of landlord-tenant law and assist with legal proceedings related to eviction.

Who Exactly Is A Lawyer For Eviction?

An eviction lawyer is a lawyer who focuses on dealing with eviction cases specifically. Eviction is when the landlord forcefully makes the tenant move out of the rented property without the tenancy getting over as per agreement. They have knowledge and experience in handling almost all legal matters related to tenancy disputes leading to eviction. 

Eviction Attorney: Their Areas Of Expertise

Eviction attorneys/lawyers can assist both landlords and tenants in eviction cases. Landlords often go to eviction attorneys for help to remove tenants who are defaulters of rent (not paid rent) or violated terms of the lease agreements. Tenants may also consult eviction attorneys/lawyers to protect their rights when landlords try to exploit them. An eviction attorney can help a tenant understand their rights and duties during eviction proceedings. 

• Also known as lawyers for eviction of tenants, these lawyers have a deep understanding of eviction laws and regulations applicable in their jurisdiction. They stay updated with any changes in eviction laws to offer accurate legal advice.
• Eviction proceedings can be complex and involve various legal steps. An eviction attorney/ lawyer guides their clients (like Bob) through the entire process, ensuring all necessary legal and financial paperwork and deadlines are met.
• These lawyers assist in filing eviction lawsuits with the appropriate court. They prepare the required legal documents and represent their client’s interests during court proceedings.
• They conduct thorough research into the eviction case, gathering evidence and facts to build a strong argument in favor of their client.
• In some cases, eviction attorneys may engage in negotiations with the other party to reach a settlement outside of court. They advocate for their client’s best interests during these discussions.
• Eviction attorneys ensure that their client’s rights are protected throughout the process. They work to prevent any unlawful or unfair treatment.
• If disputes arise during the eviction process, an eviction attorney/lawyer is equipped to handle them and find appropriate solutions.
• If the eviction case goes to trial, the lawyer represents the client in court, presenting the case and arguments effectively.
• Eviction attorneys advise their clients on the best legal options available, helping them make informed decisions based on their unique situations.
• They may explore alternatives to eviction, such as mediation or payment plans, to resolve conflicts without resorting to eviction.
• They also ensure that all actions taken during the eviction process comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Thus, hiring an eviction lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of an eviction case. They can provide legal expertise and support during the challenging and emotional process of eviction.

What Are The Services Offered By An Eviction Attorney?

Let us look at some of the most common services offered by eviction attorneys.

a.  Lawsuit Filing

They assist in preparing and submitting the necessary legal documents to initiate the eviction process in court.

b.  They Research Your Case

Eviction attorneys/lawyers investigate the case details, property ownership, and lease agreements to build a strong case.

c.  Ownership Verification

When multiple owners or tenants are involved, lawyers research public records to determine property ownership.

d.  Paperwork Gathering

They collect all required documents for the eviction lawsuit, like summonses and notice forms.

e.  Serving Eviction Notice

Lawyers provide tenants with a notice to inform them of lease violations and the need to rectify the situation within a set timeframe.

f.   Tenant’s Belongings Removal

If tenants refuse to leave voluntarily, lawyers help them to get court orders for possession. This allows the removal of their belongings.

g.  Actions Against Misconduct

If tenants try to hide or damage evidence, lawyers can go to court and get sanctions and financial damages.

What Are The Different Types of Eviction Contracts One Should Know About?

These are the type of contracts that not just Bob but all tenants should know about. Your eviction attorney will draw these up for you if need be.

a.  Fixed-Term Contract

Specifies a specific period (for example, one year) during which the tenant can occupy the property. Either party can terminate the lease when the term ends.

b. Periodic Tenancy

There is no fixed end date here. The lease continues monthly or weekly until either party decides to end it.

c.  Tenancy At Will

Allows the tenant to stay as long as they want or leave at any time without a specific occupancy period determined by the landlord. Sounds flexible, right? 

How Much Does An Eviction Lawyer Cost?

Now, if you are really looking to hire an eviction attorney,  you should also know how much a good eviction attorney can cost. The cost of hiring an eviction attorney/lawyer in the USA can vary depending on several factors. Here are some things that tenants should know.  

a.  Hourly Fees

Many eviction lawyers charge by the hour for their services. The hourly rate can range from $100 to $400 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience, location, and the complexity of the case.

b.  Flat Fees

Some eviction attorneys/lawyers may offer flat fees for specific services, such as filing an eviction notice or representing a client during the initial stages of the eviction process. Flat fees can range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the lawyer and the scope of the services.

c.  Contingency Fees

In some cases, eviction attorneys/lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis. This happens if there is a legal dispute related to the eviction. This means the lawyer only gets paid if they win the case or secure a settlement. The contingency fee is usually a percentage of the amount recovered.

Here’s A Couple Other Things To Know

There can be additional costs. In addition to the lawyer’s fees, there may be additional costs associated with an eviction case. 

• These costs may include court filing fees, process server fees, and other related expenses.
• The costs of hiring an eviction lawyer can also vary depending on the location. Lawyers practicing in major cities or high-cost areas may charge higher fees compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas.
• The complexity of the eviction case can also impact the cost. If the case involves multiple tenants or legal disputes or requires extensive research and preparation, the lawyer’s fees may be higher.
• Some lawyers offer initial consultations to discuss the case and provide legal advice. These consultations may be free or charged at a reduced rate.

If the eviction lawyer is successful in negotiating a settlement outside of court, the overall cost may be lower compared to a prolonged court battle.

Watch Out

Before hiring an eviction attorney/lawyer, you should discuss the fee structure, preferably in writing. This includes understanding the lawyer’s billing method, any retainer fees required, and any additional costs.

It’s crucial for individuals seeking legal representation in eviction cases to discuss fees and payment options with potential lawyers to find a suitable arrangement that meets their needs and budget. 

How To Find A Good Eviction Lawyer Near You?

You can use Google or Bing to find eviction lawyers nearby. Type “eviction lawyer near me” or “eviction attorney [type in your city/town name, please]” in the search bar.

• Visit websites like Avvo, FindLaw, or Justia to find lawyers based on their expertise and location.
• Check your state or local bar association’s website for lawyer referral services that can connect you with eviction attorneys.
• Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they know any good eviction lawyers they can recommend.
• Some cities offer free or affordable legal help. Check if they can help you find an eviction attorney/lawyer within your budget.
• Look for law firms specializing in real estate or landlord-tenant law in your area. Call or visit them to learn about their services for eviction cases.
• Read reviews and testimonials about eviction lawyers in your area to learn about their reputation and service quality.
• Talk to a few potential lawyers in person or over the phone. Discuss your case, ask about their experience, fees, and how they can assist you.

Take your time to research! Good Luck, Bob!

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