Inspection - tenant refuses to leave

[Corey Clem]

First time poster, first real estate deal! I am purchasing a four-Plex, all 1 bed/1 bath. We've don't the inspection on 3 of 4 units; the other tenant refused to let us in. They've in the process of evicting the tenant but the court date isn't for another 3 weeks. I am still under an extended option period and won't close if I can't see the unit. I'm also not opposed to walking away, despite it cash flows well. I'm curious what others would do in this situation? We've been under contract for almost a month, and I can walk away for another week. Thanks!

[Chris Mason]

I'd probably freeze-frame the entire transaction, and keep all contingencies in place, until the trouble tenant is physically moved out. Not just "not here for the inspection," but I want to see a completely vacant unit with no personal belongings left... and I might be tempted to get the seller's permission to change the locks right then (they get a copy of the key, that they can return to me at closing) just to mitigate the risk of that former tenant becoming a "surprise!" squatter.