How to evict really ill tenant ?

[Rizki Setia]

Hi Everyone,

I am newbie here, 

I bought triplex 2 years ago and came with one of really sick tenant and he live by himself.  2 years ago his ill was not that bad but gotten worse reasonly and he is in wheel chair, the property not suitable for him to stay (we have no ramp). 

I am trying to evict him because I don't want bad thing happen like fall from stairs or even he die at property (because he got cancer)

My questions are:

Is the eviction right thing to do?

How to evict him?

Any advice appreciated!!

[Account Closed]

Well, honestly, anybody could die in an apartment you own.  If he's paying rent and not damaging the property, and he's not bothering your other tenants, then perhaps you shouldn't kick him out.

That said, why don't you call social services for him?  Or ask him if he minds if you do?  There are so many services available for disabled people.  He can probably get a free caregiver through the county.

If you're worried about him, you could contact social services or adult protective services.

But, why don't you sit down with him and tell him you're worried about him, and wondered if he has help with his wheelchair.

He might also qualify to get your building adapted for the wheelchair for free.  You are required to make a "reasonable accommodation" for a disabled tenant, but you don't have to pay for modifications.  I think you have to allow the modifications, though, if he pays for them.

Bottom line, though, is he - other than being ill or dying - a good tenant?  If you kick him out, you might not get so lucky with the next one.

Make sure he has someone who checks on him.  If he doesn't, then call him yourself every so often - with his agreement.  Don't tell him it's because you want to know if he died and is rotting away in your unit, rather tell him you want to make sure he's okay :-)

But, if he's on month-to-month you can give him notice to move.  If he's got a lease you can terminate it when it's up.  

It sounds like he's going to end up in assisted living anyway.  

Is it "right"?  Everyone has a different "right" meter.  I would not personally judge you either way.  Especially because I know that there are so many resources out there nowadays for disabled people, that this tenant will be fine.  He just needs to make use of the resources available.  You could help him connect with them, if you're up to it.  If he isn't getting county help, he may just be too sick to look into it.  Maybe you could just make a couple phone calls to the county social services and adult protective services, and let them take it from there.