ABA Family Legal Guide

Renting Residential Property

Ending the Landlord-Tenant Relationship

Lease Termination by Landlords

Why would the landlord sue the tenant? Isn't it easier to ask the tenant to leave?

Of course, the landlord can ask the tenant to leave. But the landlord must sue the tenant if the tenant does not move after being asked. That lawsuit is for eviction, which is referred to legally as forcible entry and detainer or unlawful detainer.