During a commercial eviction procedure there are important deadlines that landlord must meet in order to successfully evict a tenant. Some of them are as follows:
Notice of Default
There are no 5 day statutory notice requirements as in residential evictions. However, all notices required by the lease must be satisfied before filing the Unlawful Detainer.
Service of Unlawful Detainer
Must be made 5 days prior to first return date.
Removal
Tenant may seek to remove the case to the Circuit Court but must do so within 10 days after the first return date. If this occurs, be sure to demand that the tenant post a bond for future rent.
Appeal
If either tenant or landlord wants to appeal the General District Court trial verdict, a notice of appeal must be filed within 10 days; or, 30 days from a Circuit Court judgment.
Writ of Possession
If the court awards possession to the landlord, the Writ of Possession can be filed after 10 days. But, many clerks of court will not issue a Writ of Possession after 60 days.
Sheriff's Return
The sheriff must evict the tenant or return the writ of possession to the court without eviction within 30 days. Don't delay or Landlord may have to start the eviction all over again.
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The above is not meant to replace legal counsel. If you'd like to speak to one of the attorneys at Gross & Romanick, call 703-273-1400 or fill out their online Information Request form.
