Health Hazard Eviction

[Michael Murphy]

Has anyone had to deal with an eviction of a tenant that is incapable of caring for themselves?  I am under contract on a property and one of the tenants is living in conditions that are beyond normal trashing and filth.  There is moldy food, feces on the bathroom floor, some sort of slime over most of the wood flooring, a severe fly infestation, etc.  I am sure it is a health hazard.

I am wondering if there is a way to get social services involved rather than going through an entire eviction process.  I really think the tenant needs a level of support that could be provided by an assisted living / group home setting.  I am also wary of them coming after me about the health hazards. 

This is a duplex and the other unit is occupied too.  I would like to avoid any government agency forcing both of the tenants out.

If anyone has experience they are willing to share I would appreciate it.

[Drew Sygit]

Are they paying rent?

if not, start eviction process.

Then start calling local agencies that may be able to have the tenant placed in adult foster care or ???

Just be careful - an agency MAY pay their rent, thwarting your eviction.

We just did this last year.
We exhausted all efforts to get elderly tenants assistance and they would NOT cooperate.
So, we had to evict.
The bailiff even tried to help them, but had to put them out on the sidewalk.
- "Miraculously", the tenant then called a relative that came and picked them up!