Evicting a Tenant in Norfolk, Virginia

[Jay Sandefur Jr]

Hey BP community, me and a couple partners have an accepted offer on a duplex in Norfolk, VA. We have a tenant that's been a problem starting not granting full access through the inspection process. Additionally, the seller has continually stalled on providing proof that she's paid rent. We are considering walking away from the deal, however I proposed we reach out to the forums to see if anyone had any ideas of how to proceed. We would be getting the property at a good enough price where one tenant would cover the debt Service. So, we are really torn at the moment. Soliciting any advice you all can give me on how we could proceed. Or if we had to evict, does anyone have any experience with that during covid?

[Patti Robertson]

@Jay Sandefur Jr - I've done two evictions in Norfolk during COVID.  We can evict for non-financial purposes.  The eviction moratorium is scheduled to lift on June 30, and until that time, the Rent Relief Program is providing grant funds for rent and rent related expenses for up to three months in advance.  What are their lease terms?  Have you gotten copies of the leases?  If so, PM me the tenant's names and I will do some sleuthing for you. Send either the address or the seller's name if you don't have the tenant's.  That won't be as conclusive, but I may be able to find something for you.

IMO - Tenants are temporary problems.  If you find a property you like that meets your criteria, don't let a temporary tenant situation stop you from buying it.  It is way too hard to find good properties that meet investor criteria right now.  I've gotten some of my best deals because the properties were occupied by problem tenants or problem relatives of the owner.  For the seller the problem seems insurmountable, so they sell. For a professional, getting someone out is just part of the business - no biggie.