Evictions are expensive, stressful, and time-consuming — for everyone involved. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a new landlord, avoiding eviction is always the better outcome. The good news? With the right systems in place, most evictions can be prevented.
Here’s how to proactively prevent eviction and protect your property, your income, and your peace of mind.
1. Screen Tenants Thoroughly
The best way to prevent an eviction is to avoid placing a risky tenant in the first place. That’s why a detailed tenant screening process is non-negotiable. We’re talking about:
- Credit reports and income verification
- Rental history, including landlord references
- Criminal background checks
- Employment stability
At 901 Real Estate Services, we go a step further — we verify identities, run national eviction checks, and screen for any red flags that could impact a resident’s ability to pay or care for your home.
2. Maintain the Property
It may sound simple, but a well-maintained property is a well-performing property.
Deferred maintenance leads to frustrated tenants, communication breakdowns, and potential legal trouble. Keeping your home safe, clean, and functioning shows tenants you care, and encourages them to do the same.
Pro tip: Respond to maintenance requests quickly and track repairs through a system (we use one built specifically for property management).
3. Use a Clear, Legally Sound Lease
Your lease is your first line of defense. A strong lease should:
- Clearly outline rent due dates and fees
- Detail tenant responsibilities (like filter changes and lawn care)
- Include consequences for non-payment or rule violations
A vague lease can create confusion and disputes. A well-written one protects both parties and ensures everyone knows what to expect.
4. Set Up the Right Legal & Financial Protections
Even with great screening, things can go sideways. That’s why we recommend:
- Landlord insurance: Protects you from property damage, loss of income, and liability
- Forming an LLC: Creates legal separation between your assets and your rental
5. Communicate Early and Often
Evictions rarely come out of nowhere.
A missed payment may signal a temporary hardship, and early outreach can help you work out a solution. Whether it’s a reminder text, a phone call, or a mailed notice, consistent, clear communication can keep things from escalating.
6. Hire a Professional Property Manager
Handling all this on your own is possible — but not always ideal, especially if you’re managing multiple properties or live out of state.
A great property management company will:
- Screen and place tenants
- Handle leasing, communication, and maintenance
- Enforce lease terms and handle legal notices
- Know Tennessee landlord-tenant law inside and out
Our Eviction Protection Program
At 901 Real Estate Services, we stand behind our screening process—and we’re willing to put our money where our mouth is.
That’s why we offer a free Eviction Protection Program for the first year of management for new owners. If a tenant we place must be evicted, we’ll cover 100% of the eviction costs, including:
- Changing the locks and securing the property
- Serving legal notice to the tenant
- Filing court documents and providing attorney representation in court
- Coordinating and executing the set-out (removal of belongings)
➡️ Learn more about our Eviction Protection Program
It’s our way of giving you peace of mind and standing behind our screening process.
Final Thoughts
Evictions don’t just impact your bottom line—they affect your time, stress, and property value. With the right preparation and support, you can minimize the chances of it ever becoming an issue.
If you’re ready to stop managing alone — or want to explore how 901 Real Estate Services can help protect your property—reach out today. We’re here to help.
FAQ
Q: What is eviction prevention for landlords?
A: Eviction prevention involves proactive steps—like thorough tenant screening, good communication, and clear lease agreements—to reduce the risk of tenants defaulting and needing removal.
Q: How can landlords avoid evictions?
A: You can avoid evictions by screening tenants carefully, maintaining your property, communicating clearly, enforcing the lease fairly, and staying compliant with local laws.
Q: What does 901 Real Estate Services’ Eviction Protection Program cover?
A: Our program covers 100% of eviction-related costs, including legal notice, court filings, attorney representation, tenant set-out, and lock changes. It’s free for the first year for new owners.
Q: Does the Eviction Protection Program cover lost rent or damages?
A: No, it covers all eviction-related costs but does not reimburse for lost rent or property damage.
Q: Who qualifies for the Eviction Protection Program?
A: Owners who sign a new management agreement with 901RES and have tenants placed by our team qualify for one year of free coverage.