A part of the eviction process that is designed to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants by requiring specific notification requirements. This is both to provide time for tenants to make other living arrangements and to provide landlords with

However what is a landlord to do if the tenant on record refuses to answer the door or you otherwise cannot reach them? Luckily the law is understanding that these circumstances do happen and has put into place some alternate service methods.

When the plaintiff, after exercising due diligence, is unable to personally serve the summons on the defendant, the court may authorize the alternative means of service. The procedure requires filing an affidavit from the person or persons attempting service describing the attempts, and affidavit from the plaintiff, plaintiff’s agent, or plaintiff’s attorney stating the belief that the defendant cannot be found. The court may then enter an order authorizing alternative service of the summons as follows: Summons and complaint posted in a conspicuous place on the premises, and copies of the summons and the complaint in the mail, postage prepaid, by both regular mail and certified mail directed to the defendant’s or defendants’ last known address.

If you have questions about evicting someone from your property, call Limitless Law PLLC at (360) 685-0145 or use the “Ask an Attorney” link on our website to contact us today!

The post Can I be Evicted if I Refuse to Answer the Door? appeared first on Limitless Law PLLC.