Real Estate Professional · Unknown , MN · Member since 2017 · 19 posts · 4 votes
I am hoping that my tenants actually move out by March 31. However I have little faith that they will be able to get their RV and fish house out by that date. What are my options?
Without an eviction proceeding and the Sheriff on site to forcibly remove tenants and their property, you are stuck writing letters,asking them nicely, waiting, praying, hiring someone to help.
Used to work for a company that had issues with squatters and in particular, a certain tenant who intentionally screwed the company by forcing us to file an eviction, and then proving we (or rather the attorneys) processed it wrong, and then causing us to start over... In this case, during the move-out day, a rep from our company physically occupied the residence and once tenant was out, made sure that locks were rekeyed and tenant was not abale to even step foot in the unit. Not saying your tenants are like this...
The answer to your question lies in what challenges the tenants face. Are they having trouble because they have too much crap? Are they physically limited? Are they broke? You need to figure out what is slowing them down, how much they will cost you by delaying, how much it would take to speed up the process, etc.. Maybe they just need the number of a good mover and a local storage facility. Many people, when living somewhere for years, acquire literal boatloads (or RV loads) of stuff and just don't have a plan for it. They might not be hoarders, but they also might not want to just give away half of their belongings...Oh capitalism!
I would check with attorney on the entire situation, including withholding deposit for pro-rated extra time they are staying. On the note of deposits, what is the condition of the place? Will there be anything left of the deposit to cover pro-rated rent if you can charge it? Sometimes better to not offer this option since it might encourage tenants to stay longer? Not sure.
Bottom line, while you don't necessarily need to take legal action, I would be prepared to at least understand your options, costs involved, and appropriate letters that you need to send them if they are not holding up their end of the move-out agreement.
Be firm and clear on your expectations, costs to both parties, and timelines and put EVERYTHING in writing to your tenants, even if you have verbal conversations, put a letter to them summarizing it.
Hopefully things go smoothly, and I promise the more effort you put into clear and concise communication in the beginning, the less chance tenant will get upset as a result of unexpected outcomes (like starting an eviction process, if only because you have to protect yourself).
Source - years working in real estate. Not a licensed professional.
I am hoping that my tenants actually move out by March 31. However I have little faith that they will be able to get their RV and fish house out by that date. What are my options?
Why do you hope they move out on 31st? Did they not renew lease or did you give them a notice ?
:) Again this is covered in MN landlord tenant laws.. so I know your going to download this information soon.. :)
I would call a towing company in Brainerd and get a sign from them that says "NO unauthorized vehicles" unathorized vehicales will be towed by XXX towing company.
Then go over to the house and hand the sign on the garage, and take a photo that it's up.
Basically I'd tell them the RV has to be moved. If they leave and the RV is still there follow state law, you need to notify them in writing the vehicle is subject to tow, you post the window of vehicle with sign saying it will be towed take a photo.. I think in MN it's 30 days you have to store property I'd double check ,, after 30 days you call the towing company and they come out and get it the bill for towing goes against the license plate holder of the RV,, no fees to you.. if the tenant doesn't claim from the towing company the towing company auctions it off..
As for the fish house.. It's basically the same you notify it need to be gone, you store for 30 days and then you dispose of per state laws.
Essentially a travel trailer/camper that lowers down to the ground/ice on frozen lake to fish out of. Has holes inside and some have the same features as a regular old travel trailer to fish in luxury while it's -30 outside
Essentially a travel trailer/camper that lowers down to the ground/ice on frozen lake to fish out of. Has holes inside and some have the same features as a regular old travel trailer to fish in luxury while it's -30 outside