How to continue an eviction held over from previous owner

[Aaron A.]

I am currently in contract on a property and just found out that the owner is currently evicting a tenant in one of the units of this triplex multiunit. The eviction should be complete by the time we close, but we don't know that for sure. I am still within my rights to withdraw the offer, but only for another week. Luckily, the cash flow is pretty good and one vacancy will not produce a loss for the month.

1) Is there anything I can do now to protect myself from inheriting a non-paying tenant?

2) How do I know if the current owner is continuing the eviction if he knows the building will be purchased soon?

3) Is it possible to continue the eviction where the current seller has left off, or would I need to start that process from scratch on my own?

Thanks for any help with these questions. Any other comments are appreciated!

[Account Closed]

If for some reason the tenant isn't out by closing, you should be able to file a motion with the court to substitute yourself or your entity as a plaintiff in the eviction. Keep in mind that evictions are typically an expedited process (at least relative to other litigation) so you'll need to move quickly.