What are landlord rights if tenant is late with rent?
Sue for eviction at the Juzgado de Paz. The process could take one to six months depending on the jurisdiction. Longer if the tenant decides to fight, which is unlikely since if he is not willing to pay rent, it’s unlikely he’ll be willing to pay a lawyer. You may also attach assets in the premises as your lawyer told you.
Security deposit complications.
By law, security deposits must be deposited at the Banco Agrícola. However, few landlords do this, one of the causes for delay when they begin the eviction process.
Lease expiration and rebuilding premises.
I have explained this on this forum many times before. Dominican law is very protective of tenant rights. Eviction of a tenant is only possible on the following grounds: (a) failure to pay rent, (b) misuse of the premises, (c) subletting if prohibited by the lease, (d) the owner will use the property, (e) reconstruction (if the lease is expired). There are special procedures for each one of these instances.
The fact that the term of the lease has expired is not per se a cause for eviction. But if you are going to tear down the plaza, you may obtain the eviction as mentioned in the paragraph above. Old tenants may have certain privileges when the premises are ready for rentals again.
Talk to your lawyer for further details.
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