Buying a house with a recently evicted client

[Thuy Pham-Satrappe]

I recently found out that a property for which I am under contract has a recently evicted tenant. They left a lot of stuff around the house and in the tool shed and have been sent the Abandoned property and right to reclaim notice, but the current owner and property manager have not heard from them.

Wondering if anyone has experience with a similar situation? I'm concerned with any potential liability I may inherit if I take possession of the property before the 14 days runs out.

[Daniel DiGiacomo]

I'm not an attorney, but have dealt with something similar. If your purchase contract states that you're buying the property and whatever chattel/possessions exist (more often than not, spelled out: "as is"), then you likely inherit the liability if you dispose of the possessions within 14 days. The 14 days doesn't restart when you take possession. So get a copy of the notice and wait 14 days from the date of the notice before you throw everything away. That is what I would do. 

Alternatively, the title company you're using might have a lawyer who would be willing to give you a more legally accurate answer to this question. 

Happy investing!