Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 7 years ago, 01/25/2018

User Stats

18
Posts
8
Votes
Glenn Kopensky
  • Real Estate Investor
  • West Palm Beach, FL
8
Votes |
18
Posts

Florida: Tenant in Jail, complete stranger in house

Glenn Kopensky
  • Real Estate Investor
  • West Palm Beach, FL
Posted

I bought a house in Palm Beach County this year and it came with an existing tenant with a lease. The lease has only one tenant's name and says up to 5 children under the age of 18.  After I closed, the county removed the children from her custody because of abuse.  Then the tenant was arrested a few weeks ago and will be in jail for a long time. The charge is about as serious as you can get. 

My property manager went to the house and there is a guy living there (over 18).  We have not seen him before or know who he is.  He may have moved in after the tenant was thrown in jail, or maybe he was there before that.  We just don't know.

My lawyer is telling me there is nothing I can do to get this guy out other than go through the formal eviction process against the tenant that is in jail.  I really can't believe that I have no option but to let some unknown stranger who is not on the lease and not allowed to live there just live in this house until an eviction is complete.  My house could be destroyed by then.  He could have wild parties.  Steal fixtures, plumbing, appliances, whatever and I just have to let that happen?

Are there any others with similar experiences or any lawyers familiar with Florida law that can help me?

Thank you.

Loading replies...