Removing tenants for extensive construction

[Robin Casper]

Hello all,

I just closed on a 6 unit building around Syracuse NY and the plan is to fully renovate down to studs. It also needs some structural repair. The building has 5 tenants currently living in squalor. All have public assistance and there are no leases.

My question is...what is the easiest route to getting them out? Can I just tell them i bought the building and tell them I’m going to be doing extensive demolition? If they refuse to leave and I had to evict in court, is redevelopment legitimate reason?