How Do You Deal With a Tenant's Illegal Activity in Your Property?
Updated 10 days ago (March 6, 2026)
First, before leasing your property, applicants must be screened to check criminal as well as financial records. This is a good preventative measure, but still may not catch all tenants engaging in illegal activity. In most cases, evictions are almost always a smart way to deal with offenders. In cases such as drug sales or violence, calling the police is the only option. In spite of that, remember that an arrest doesn't change the tenant's rights. They have the right to live in the property legally rented from you, so consult an attorney first. You don't have to wait for tenants to be convicted or even arrested, you can evict them based on evidence that they are engaging in illegal activities. But first, check your state's laws to see what evidence you need to support termination.
Evictions based on criminal activity are often referred to as "expedited evictions" because they take less time than normal evictions. Before speeding up evictions, there is an Unconditional Quit notice informing tenants to move out immediately. If the tenant stays, you can go to court and apply for eviction. Court hearings on evictions are usually held within a few days, and if you win, tenants have little time to move.
Legal Disclaimer: Tellus provides this content for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and locality, and regulations may have changed since this article was published. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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