Tenant problems! What would you do,if your were in my predicament

[Pedro Leal]

I need some advice. So my dad has a tenant who hasn't paid rent for 3 months. My dad doesn't want to take it to court because the apartment doesn't have a permit, so it's illegal. Ever since, she started living their are water and electricity bill has increased. We gave her a hand written eviction letter, and she just ignore it. Once, the two weeks past by, We decided to take out all of her belongings and lock the gates and change the doors. I know big mistake! So, she called the cops and the cops came, they told us that's illegal what we did. We explained, to the cops the reason we did this. The cops said, the only way we can get her out, is by taking it to court or to do it on our own hands, in a legal way. I know it's my dad's fault for building the apartment illegally, but I just want to know what other options we have, instead of taking it to court, cause I know my dad is going to get a big fine for the apartment he build. Put yourself in my shoes.

[Stephen Bell]

I would agree the tenant holds all of the power now. Either way, this is going to cost some money to get out of by way of; cash for keys, attorneys fees, or town fines. If it was me, I would pay the tenant whatever it took to get them out. Then try to make the apartment legal and then rent it out only after it is legal so you can avoid this in the future.