I often file for an eviction on tenants who have broken their lease and skipped out, owing rent; and yes, following the process of notification may mean the final judgment comes after the lease would normally end.
Why would a landlord do this?
1. In some cases a collection agency will NOT take a case unless there is a judgment against a former tenant (especially when dealing with private landlords).
2. As previously mentioned, perhaps they wished a clear judgment ending the tenancy and making certain the property was back in their hands.
3. Perhaps they felt (as I do) that someone who simply skips out owing rent should suffer some punishment for doing so and since it is unlikely that a tenant who does this will ever come back to pay what they owe, an eviction haunting their credit history for a certain number of years seems highly appropriate no matter the excuse they may use to justify their actions.
Gail

