Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How Do I Get a Tenant to Move Without Having to Evict?

Eviction is a last resort. It’s costly, stressful, time-consuming, and can strain relationships unnecessarily.

Audience: rental property owners who want to understand legal, ethical, and effective ways to encourage a tenant to move out voluntarily—without pursuing a formal eviction.

The good news is that many situations can be resolved without filing an eviction, using methods that encourage voluntary move-out while remaining compliant with state landlord-tenant law.

Below are the approaches that experienced property managers including MoveZen often use to help owners navigate these situations safely and effectively.

FAQs ❓

Can I ask a tenant to move out at any time?
Yes but how you ask matters. You must avoid coercion and follow legal notice procedures.

Can offering cash for keys really work?
Yes. It’s one of the most effective and widely used alternatives to eviction.

Can I threaten eviction to pressure the tenant?
No. Never use threats only factual notice and documented communication.

Is it faster than eviction?
Almost always.

Why Avoiding Eviction Is Often the Better Approach 🌿

Evictions are:

  • Slow (weeks or months depending on court schedule)

  • Expensive (court fees + lost rent + legal costs)

  • Stressful for all parties

  • Public record for the tenant

  • Not guaranteed to recover lost funds

Voluntary move-outs avoid most of these issues and resolve the situation sooner.

Strategies to Get a Tenant to Move Without Evicting Them

These approaches are legal, well-established in the industry, and often far more effective than formal eviction.

1. Communicate Clearly & Professionally

Many issues begin with misunderstandings, fear, or lack of communication.

Best practices:

  • Stay respectful and factual

  • Let the tenant know the situation is resolvable

  • Offer written notice outlining options

  • Remove emotional language

Tenants are more cooperative when they don’t feel threatened or embarrassed.

2. Offer a Mutually Agreed Move-Out Date

Often, simply proposing:

“If you can vacate by ___ date, we will not pursue eviction.”

…creates relief and clarity.

This approach:

  • Protects the owner

  • Gives the tenant a dignified exit

  • Avoids escalating conflict

  • Reduces lost rent

MoveZen can coordinate these agreements, keeping them compliant and documented.

3. Cash for Keys — An Industry Standard 💵🔑

This may feel counterintuitive, but it’s one of the most effective, reliable solutions.

How it works:

  • Owner offers a financial incentive (e.g., $200–$800 depending on situation)

  • Tenant agrees to move out by a specific date

  • Tenant must return the property in reasonable condition

  • Payment is made only after keys are returned

Why it works:

✔ Cheaper than eviction
✔ Faster than eviction
✔ Provides tenant motivation
✔ Preserves the property condition
✔ Reduces prolonged nonpayment

Cash for keys is widely used nationwide and legally permissible when voluntary.

4. Allowing Flexibility in Move-Out Terms

Depending on the situation, owners can offer:

  • Extra days to move

  • Payment plans for balances

  • Waiving certain late fees

  • Waiving court filings if move-out occurs quickly

  • Assistance with references (honest but fair)

These incentives encourage cooperation and prevent escalation.

5. Providing Resources (Optional but Often Helpful)

Sometimes tenants struggle because they feel stuck.

Providing local resources—like rental assistance programs, relocation assistance, or social services—can help move things forward.

MoveZen often points residents to available community programs (without offering legal or financial advice).

6. Serving a Non-Eviction Notice to Vacate (Where Allowed)

In North Carolina, this is often referred to as:

  • "Notice to terminate tenancy"

  • "Notice of nonrenewal"

This is not an eviction.
It’s simply formal notice that the lease will not continue beyond its current term.

Benefits:

✔ Gives the tenant a clear deadline
✔ Avoids court involvement
✔ Remains fully legal and enforceable
✔ Often encourages voluntary move-out

Notice periods depend on the lease and state law.

7. Document Everything 📝

To protect both parties, always document:

  • Communications

  • Agreements

  • Move-out condition

  • Dates and commitments

  • Incentives offered

MoveZen handles this process to ensure compliance and clarity.

What Not to Do ❌

Owners must avoid:

❌ Changing locks

❌ Removing belongings

❌ Shutting off utilities

❌ Harassing the tenant

❌ Threatening illegal action

❌ Posting unlawful notices

These are considered self-help evictions, which are illegal in North Carolina and most states.

When Eviction Is Necessary

If the tenant:

  • Refuses all reasonable options

  • Remains destructive or threatening

  • Stops communicating

  • Won’t agree to move-out terms

…then eviction may be the only route left.

Even then, a voluntary move-out is often possible after filing, before the court date.

Why MoveZen Helps Owners Choose the Best Path

MoveZen’s participation ensures:

✔ Legal compliance

✔ Professional communication

✔ Reduced escalation

✔ Protection from liability

✔ Faster resolution

✔ Documentation of agreements

We have extensive experience negotiating dignified, realistic solutions that avoid courtroom battles.