Potentially dangerous eviction - Seeking Advice

Seattle, Washington
General Landlording & Rental Properties
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Potentially dangerous eviction - Seeking Advice

Amador Abreu
Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 2 votes

Dear Community,

I recently purchased a house at auction in Tacoma, WA. The property includes a small house with a detached garage, offering significant potential. However, a challenging situation has arisen: the previous owner's son, who lost the house to the bank, is currently occupying it.

I've attempted various methods to facilitate a smooth transition, including offering cash for keys and assistance with moving expenses. Unfortunately, these efforts were met with hostility and refusal. The individual is deeply entrenched in his beliefs and has stated his unwillingness to vacate the property.

Legal eviction proceedings are underway, and we have a scheduled date in the near future. Law enforcement has advised that this could escalate into a dangerous situation, given the occupant's troubled history and strong resistance.

I've exhausted all forms of communication, including texts, emails, and physical letters, but to no avail. The occupant runs a garage from the property, and I'm concerned about the potential loss of his possessions and vehicles during the eviction.

As I am required to be present on the eviction day, I am seeking advice from anyone who has faced similar circumstances. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated, as I navigate this complex and potentially hazardous situation.

Thank you for your support and guidance.

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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
2y

Let the cops handle this. Not much else you can do. Don't bring your own gun to this fight.... Talk to your attorney and follow his advice.

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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    2y

    Make sure you have insurance on the property incase any damage is done.

    Law enforcement has to be present during a set out to deal with any problems. 

    0Reply
  • Amador Abreu
    OP
    Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 2 votes
    2y

    Thanks John, I did get insurance but the insurance needs inspection and I don't have access to the house. Law enforcement will be present and I will be paying the hourly rate for them to stick around for a bit. My concern is what he will do when he gets released, if the scenario plays as is being painted.
    The illegal occupier believes the system is broken, that he has rights over the land as a human being and told me he is willing to die for these rights.
    The police said they will have backup as they are concerned with the situation.

    0Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    2y

    Let the cops handle this. Not much else you can do. Don't bring your own gun to this fight.... Talk to your attorney and follow his advice.

    4Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    2y

    Let the police handle this.  What happens once he's out (ie if he loses stuff) is not your problem.  I'd also get security in place (with cameras that record and upload to the cloud) so that you know if he's broken into the property and if he has, be prepared to press charges.

    0Reply
  • Amador Abreu
    OP
    Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 2 votes
    2y

    Thanks all,

    I will for sure rely on the law enforcement work, just am worried that I will need to be there per requirement, as I need to move all that stuff out. I will keep distance but there is a possibility of tragedy. 
    Thanks for all the support and messages

    0Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Amador Abreu:

    Thanks all,

    I will for sure rely on the law enforcement work, just am worried that I will need to be there per requirement, as I need to move all that stuff out. I will keep distance but there is a possibility of tragedy. 
    Thanks for all the support and messages

    There is no requirement for you personally to do the moving. Hire a crew of big ole boys and let them do their thing...


    1Reply
  • Bob S.
    Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Amador Abreu:

    Dear Community,

    I recently purchased a house at auction in Tacoma, WA. The property includes a small house with a detached garage, offering significant potential. However, a challenging situation has arisen: the previous owner's son, who lost the house to the bank, is currently occupying it.

    I've attempted various methods to facilitate a smooth transition, including offering cash for keys and assistance with moving expenses. Unfortunately, these efforts were met with hostility and refusal. The individual is deeply entrenched in his beliefs and has stated his unwillingness to vacate the property.

    Legal eviction proceedings are underway, and we have a scheduled date in the near future. Law enforcement has advised that this could escalate into a dangerous situation, given the occupant's troubled history and strong resistance.

    I've exhausted all forms of communication, including texts, emails, and physical letters, but to no avail. The occupant runs a garage from the property, and I'm concerned about the potential loss of his possessions and vehicles during the eviction.

    As I am required to be present on the eviction day, I am seeking advice from anyone who has faced similar circumstances. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated, as I navigate this complex and potentially hazardous situation.

    Thank you for your support and guidance.


     Stay out of it, just let you attorney and sheriff handle, Do not stress , 

    0Reply
  • David M.
    Morris County, NJ · Member since 2020 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    @Amador Abreu

    Sorry to hear about this.  You realize that your presence is/should be required so that the sheriff, or whomever doing the actual eviction, can "give" you possession?  You just need to hire sufficient help to retake possession, e.g. movers, locksmith, etc.

    Good luck.

    0Reply
  • John McDonald
    Member since 2023 · 158 posts · 96 votes
    2y

    This is tough. My suggestions are just that- Food for thought.

    Explain the situation to your insurance provider. They might have protocols for such scenarios or could offer a temporary solution until you gain access to the property. 

    Your attorney might be able to help you obtain a court order. This order could potentially grant you access to the property for inspection, considering the insurance requirement.

    If the current insurance policy is unfeasible due to access issues, explore other insurance options that can provide coverage under these circumstances.

    Keep a detailed record of all your attempts to conduct the inspection and any communication with the tenant, the insurance company, and legal entities. This documentation can be valuable in legal proceedings and dealing with the insurance company.

    If you haven't already, a professional eviction service might offer additional strategies for dealing with difficult tenants and can coordinate with law enforcement to ensure safe access for inspection.

    Hiring private security for a short period post-eviction can help ensure safety. They can monitor the property, especially during and immediately after the eviction process. Cameras are a must.

    Consult with your attorney about obtaining a restraining order against the individual.

    Without divulging too much information, let the neighbors know about the situation. They can be extra eyes on the property and report any suspicious activity. 

    There are usually specific laws about how to deal with tenants' belongings post-eviction.















    1Reply
  • Henry T.
    Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Have a friend follow you recording on cell phone in case he should attack or pull something. The sheriff may give you a few minutes to install new locks. Have sheets of plywood to cover any other possible access points (use torx screws) for the garage or windows. Set up cameras. He is banned from the property. If he comes back call police immediately. If his cars should inadvertantly roll out into the street thats good, the city will tow them away for free, otherwise you'll play hell getting rid of them. Most likely his Tacoma free  provided attorney will have the paperwork insisting you pay to store all of his things, but if you're lucky, and they miss this procedure, you can put all of his crap on the curb. Have help available for this if that's the case.

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    Investor · Scottsdale Austin Tuktoyaktuk · Member since 2021 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Amador Abreu:

    Thanks John, I did get insurance but the insurance needs inspection and I don't have access to the house. Law enforcement will be present and I will be paying the hourly rate for them to stick around for a bit. My concern is what he will do when he gets released, if the scenario plays as is being painted.
    The illegal occupier believes the system is broken, that he has rights over the land as a human being and told me he is willing to die for these rights.
    The police said they will have backup as they are concerned with the situation.

    I've had a few of these. It isn't the eviction you should worry about. You will have plenty of people there if he does anything, which he probably will be resistant.

    However, for the following 6 months or so, he will be plotting his next move. That could include things like bricks through windows, climbing back into and occupying the property, coming by and starting a fight. If he has any friends they may accompany him.

    If he is a drug dealer you will have random people stopping by. If you are rehabbing, don't leave anything of value in the property. I'd start by painting the exterior of the house a different color so it doesn't look as familiar and I’d refresh the front landscape. Oddly enough, people such as this don’t like nice things and tend to avoid them. It’s outside of their comfort zone.

    I use a Swan camera system at strategic points on the property to see who is coming and going and a couple of cameras inside. The police here allow recordings to be used to arrest and charge someone.

    They usually "move on" after a few months especially if all of their belongings, cars, tools, parts are move somewhere else they can access.

    2Reply
  • Amador Abreu
    OP
    Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 2 votes
    2y

    Thank you, dear community for all the comments.
    I will keep you guys informed after I take possession.

    0Reply
  • Glen Wiley
    Investor · Richmond, VA · Member since 2023 · 459 posts · 474 votes
    2y

    The sheriff will handle the initially dangerous part. Don't worry about that. You will want to be alert for retaliation for a while.

    I like to be safe so I am licensed to carry and am usually armed anyway - worth considering.

    2Reply
  • Matthew Paul
    Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Glen Wiley:

    The sheriff will handle the initially dangerous part. Don't worry about that. You will want to be alert for retaliation for a while.

    I like to be safe so I am licensed to carry and am usually armed anyway - worth considering.

     At the eviction , the sheriffs job is to keep the peace . You will be fine there , no problem .  If you bought the property under a company name , and use a PO box . It will be hard for him to figure out who you are and where you live .  If he knows your name and any info you sent him has your address on it   as @Glen Wiley said consider taking what ever precautions that are necessary to protect yourself and your family . 

    Better to have some type of protection and not need it , than need it and not have it .

    1Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Matthew Paul:

    Better to have some type of protection and not need it , than need it and not have it .


     Wise words.....This can be a dangerous profession....

    0Reply
  • Amador Abreu
    OP
    Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 2 votes
    2y

    Thank you all for all the support on this.
    I wanted to provide you guys on what actually happened. 

    The eviction was kept secret and was scheduled way far out. Almost 40 days from the WRIT filling and acceptance and landed on Feb 21.
    We tried many times reaching out to him during this time frame. The police tried as well but he was stubborn and rejected any form of communication (and negotiation).

    The police came really prepared and 4 officers showed up on time. I was there with some helpers to help on the move stayed far away.  The officers banged at the door for about 5 minutes with no response and they were going to break in when he opened the door. He was caught completely by surprise and started screaming at them. He did not have any chance other than get his clothes and he was removed out of the house. Everything (an enormous amount of mess where he was living in) was left behind. He was place out of the property boundaries where he kept screaming and threatening. The cops stayed for about 1 hour and warned him that he should not trespass, or he would be arrested.  

    I had already lined up a tenant that was in need to that exact setup (was very fortunate to find this tenant) and he moved in. We moved all the things inside the house to the back yard under a big tent and left it all there. 

    I served the squatter a letter saying that I would store his belongings for 30 days and if he wanted them back, he would need to pay for the storage and drayage due at pickup time.  He would have up to 30 days or we would dispose his stuff.

    There are a lot, I mean, a lot of stuff in the property.
    He hasn't paid for garbage services so the accumulation of 4years of garbage is also at the house.

    0Reply
  • Amador Abreu
    OP
    Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 2 votes
    2y

    There so much stuff that I don't know how to charge the Dryage and Storage.
    I am spending thousands of dollars on this clean up and I cannot do anything until 30 days go by.

    I would love to hear from you what you think would be a fair charge of this storage.

    Today, 20 days into the period he sent me a really harsh text message, and this is the very first communication I have received, demanding I give his stuff back. 

    I don't want him to come pick all the good stuff and leave me with a mountain of gargage. He lived in my house for 4 months, and I had to pay $1,200.00 in utilities bills he did not pay for this period.

    I will super appreciate your ideas on this.

    Thanks you so much!
    Amador Abreu

    0Reply
  • Amador Abreu
    OP
    Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 2 votes
    2y

    What you see in the pictures here does not make justice of reality. It is absolutely overwhelming the amount of stuff in the property.

    0Reply
  • Ben Russell
    Member since 2023 · 50 posts · 41 votes
    2y

    I'm unclear, are you required by law to hold his stuff for any amount of time? Unless my state required it, I would not have kept any of his possessions.  You are asking for trouble.  

    It would be very easy for him to file a lawsuit and without a full and complete inventory of what you have, how do you refute the inevitable accusation that he had some prize art/antique/original Nintendo, or whatever in the mess?

     I would speak with a good real estate attorney and make sure you are on solid footing.

    0Reply
  • Amador Abreu
    OP
    Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 2 votes
    2y

    in Washington state, the person being evicted can verbally (which he did) or in written form, request up to 30 days storage at a reasonable cost. He was desperate and asked me to store for him. However, now it looks like he is just upset and does not want to pay for any storage/drayage costs.

    I had an attorney all the way through this process, and I followed her advice.

    I just don't really know how to charge for this.

    0Reply
  • Amador Abreu
    OP
    Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 2 votes
    2y

    he just want to come in get the valuables and leave me with all the garbage.
    PS,: He is not allowed in my property at any circumstances and I would need to get whatever he wants after paying the reasonable costs, and move to the side walk where he could get them.

    0Reply
  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y

    @Amador Abreu  I  am not sure you will get any money out of him for storage but you could just charge a price comparable to a storage unit. Can you charge disposal for what is left?    I know that police accompanied a individual retrieving her stuff in a similar type situation at a property of mine. They could not come without the police. 

    0Reply
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