All Forum Posts by: Matthew Sprott

Suduk, I'm sorry to hear about your situation... I'm undergoing the same problem here in Spokane, Washington. I've been in touch with my lawyer and some property managers in my area and they are suggesting that I offer a repayment plan (formally, send in the mail and document/make copies) and then they will either accept and pay as needed or not. If not, when the eviction moratorium lifts in your state (mine is August 1st) you can begin to evict. Offering cash for keys is definitely a good approach if your moratorium won't be for a few months. 

Good luck with your situation. Please let us know how it goes.

Hey Chet, 

I've never filled a pool personally, but here is a link to a site I found to be pretty helpful. It seems that as long as you don't plan to build over the pool area, a partial demo could be your best bet (see option 1 in the link). It does mention that you may have to disclose that there was a pool and that it has only undergone a partial demo if you ever try to sell the property which may decrease the value of the home to certain buyers. Good luck!

@Kwun Ho I forgot to mention that the boyfriend did return after a few days. They clearly dont have the money or dont plan on giving it to me so I will definitely explore this cash for keys option, but I'm not sure it will work... They have couches and beds a full house worth of items and no car to move it all. It's worth a shot though. If only they would respond to my texts/emails/phone calls.

@Sudhanshu Singha The deposit was transferred to me when I closed on the house through escrow. The past owner did however say they never had a late payment, not that I should have taken their word for it. I will try cash for keys.. after that I think I have to try the repayment plan and then eviction. What a mess.

Thanks, everybody for the advice. For an update on the situation see below:

I've been in touch with my lawyer and have now learned of the extremely difficult situation I am in. I cannot evict because of COVID regardless of their fixed income stream. I'll be sending them an Invitation to Repayment Plan Monday (tomorrow) that will outline the amount owed over the next 3 months, which seems to be the standard timeline. It seems right now I have to essentially hope they pay... more to come this week.

Hello BP community! It's my first post, but it won't be my last.

I just bought my first duplex property and against all advice decided to keep the old tenants... It is now 4 days after the first rent payment was due, where I asked for first and last month's rent. The boyfriend, who earns most of their income, has been "missing" for a few days, and the girlfriend is concerned he could be in trouble. We've just signed the 12-month lease and the only thing I've received is a security deposit. Would you have a conversation with the girlfriend about how she might be able to make ends meet or just send the Notice of Noncompliance and get them out on day 5? Is going through the eviction process really the best way, or is there another way I could remove and replace them that won't involve lawers and other financial and mental stress?

I'm looking forward to seeing your responses. Thanks!