I’m a low-end landlord. I’ve had to throw out about ten renters in the last ten years, so one per year. (They all got into drugs and stopped paying the rent. All of them, including several with small children.) The proper procedure is file paperwork with the court, $300. File that signed and notarized paperwork with the sheriff, $45. The Sheriff will notify you when they are ready.
You’ll have to deliver at least two notices. I go armed and take a friend. Obviously, if you are dealing with someone you know is dangerous, you’ll do it when they aren’t there.
When the deputies are there things go smoothly. If you’re keeping the deposit, you have X days to send them a letter stating your reasons. If you don’t send the letter, at least in Florida, you owe them the deposit. So, you’ll need to ask them for a forwarding address. If no address, you send it to the rental address as certified return receipt.
As to renting a room in your home, that’s insane. Don’t do it.
No need for an eviction lawsuit? In California that’s a required step— the unlawful detainer. They’re expedited- set for trial within their days if the request for trial being filed
There are of course a lot of bad tenants but as this article shows the crazy is all around us these days.
This landlord was not a sane landlord. A big sign needs to be posted nearby “DO NOT RENT HERE”!
Also, I think she rented to get the money and then made up reasons to evict them immediately without returning that money.