If you were the owner, what would you do?

[Michaela G.]

So, these kids rented rooms, even compared the name of the 'owner' with property records. Turns out that the 'landlord' was a scam artist, who scoped out empty houses, changed the locks, took on the name of the owner, and rented the property.

http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Impostor-rented-out-someone-else-s-home-4981397.php

What if you were the owner of that vacant house and found people living in it, who signed a lease in good faith and spent all their money on deposit and first month's rent?

Sure, on one hand you want them out NOW. But they have nowhere to go and have no money left to find another place.

I would also think that because they signed a lease and moved in in good faith, that the owner can't just throw them out, but would have to go through a full eviction to force them. Not that that would be good for anyone.

But it's one of those situations that I'd hate to be in. I'm a victim as the owner as well, so shouldn't I also share the burden in some way?

I think it's one of those situation, where I'd be better off to come up with a mutal agreement, like cash for keys, or to give them a month or 2 or something, than trying to push them onto the street, when they're really not deadbeats or doing this in purpose.

What would you do?