Managing Tenant Delinquency and Eviction

If your tenant does not pay rent, you are eligible to file for a summary ejectment (eviction) through the court system by following the steps outlined below.

If a tenant fails to pay rent, Alcove takes proactive measures to recover the payment. This includes multiple attempts through emails, text messages, phone calls, formal notices, etc. Only after these initial efforts will we notify you and outline the next steps in the eviction process. If the tenant has not made the payment by the 1st of the month and continues to reside in the property, you are eligible to initiate eviction proceedings in accordance with the lease agreement.

Once a landlord files for summary ejectment, it is common for a tenant to either 1) pay their rent or 2) vacate the property. This is largely due to the fact that a court action will be recorded in the tenant's consumer records, which can severely impact their ability to secure future rentals.

Therefore, if a tenant is behind on rent and does not leave voluntarily, we strongly advise landlords to promptly file for summary ejectment. If the tenant chooses to vacate, Alcove will verify that they have vacated and begin the process of re-leasing the room at no additional cost to you.

Please note that this does not absolve the tenant of their financial obligations under the lease, and future collection efforts may still be pursued once the tenant's lease is formally ended or a replacement tenant is found for their room, whichever comes first.

For more details about additional attempts by Alcove to resolve rent issues with the tenant, you can review tenant delinquency notes in your Alcove Manager Portal under the "Ledger & Payments" section here and clicking on the notes associated with the delinquent tenant. 

2. How do I file for an eviction? What is the process?

You can file for eviction through your county court system, typically online. You’ll need the following documents which are provided via the online filing website:

• Complaint
• Magistrate Summons
• Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) documentation (provided by Alcove, if applicable)

The eviction process varies by county. While some counties require you to file in person, most will accept online filings:

• Filing in Person: Visit your local courthouse with your documents. 
• Filing Online: File and Submit on your county’s website.

To get started, go to County Information for Eviction Filings to view next steps for your specific county. 

3. What happens after I file for eviction?

• Court Date Confirmation: If you file in person, the clerk will provide a court date directly to you. For online filings, expect confirmation via email within 1–2 business days.
• Serving the Tenant: After receiving the court date, you must serve the tenant with the court documents via the sheriff’s office or via certified mail. The courts will not process the eviction if the tenant is not properly notified.

4. How do I serve the tenant with eviction papers through the sheriff or magistrate?

1. Visit the county courthouse and go to the sheriff’s office.
2. Bring a stamped envelope addressed to the tenant and any required service fees.
3. The sheriff will serve the tenant and provide you with a receipt for your records.
4. After the tenant has been successfully served, please notify the partner support team via partner@alcoverooms.com.

5. What should I present in court?

• Rent Ledger: Rent ledger table showing the tenant’s payment history or lack thereof (Provided by Alcove) 
• Lease Agreement: Documents the tenant’s legal obligations (Provided by Alcove and also available in your Alcove Manager portal).
• Notices & Correspondence: Confirms efforts made to collect rent (provided by Alcove).
• Any communication you’ve had with the tenant, both within and outside of the Alcove platform (e.g., emails, texts) that is related to rent, can also be presented as evidence. 

6. Can I hire an attorney to handle the eviction?

Yes, you can choose to hire an eviction attorney or eviction service to represent you in court and handle the necessary paperwork. If you decide to go this route, it’s best to engage them at the start of the process, so they have full context for each required step.

7. What if my tenant moves out before the eviction hearing?

If the tenant vacates the property before the court date, you can dismiss the eviction case. Alcove will assist in finding a new tenant to fill the vacant bedroom. If there is an unpaid balance after the tenant vacates and a new tenant is found, Alcove will begin its in-house collections process. You can also file a complaint for money owed against the tenant in the meantime.

8. What should I do after the eviction court hearing?

After the magistrate hears the case, they will typically announce the decision in court. If the eviction is granted, a written order will follow, along with next steps depending on the decision.

Be sure to inform Alcove of the outcome so we can provide you with updated instructions with next steps and best assist with the tenant’s lock-out process.

9. How do I keep Alcove updated during this process?

Please open a support ticket with the tenant to keep them informed of the eviction status. Additionally, keep Alcove updated on next steps by emailing us directly with any developments. This ensures both the tenant and Alcove are aligned throughout the eviction process.

10. Can I contact the tenant directly about their payment and eviction process?

Yes, you can find the tenant’s contact information in the “Leases & Tenants” section of your Alcove portal here if you wish to discuss their past due balance directly with them.

11. Are there any other recommendations or tips?

• Keep a record of all documents and communications related to the eviction.
• Notify Alcove of any developments so we can assist with next steps.
• Prepare all necessary documents for court and ensure the tenant is served properly.
• Remember, while you have the option to represent yourself in court, hiring an attorney is not required but can improve your chances of a successful outcome.