Looking to get solid advice on how to remove these squatters

[Eric Hunter]

Hi everyone I am here in Richmond VA where I purchased a property that the owner allowed the tenant to live rent free for 4 years before selling to us. The tenant has not been available to reach I have went by the house several times where I have had no luck reaching them all doors were locked & I have no key. The seller had no lease to provide to me as there is no current lease in place in the last 4 years.

Asking for some solid advice on how to proceed from fellow landlords.  ( Sensible feedback only ) Thanks!

[Daniel Suarez]

I would suppose, since the old owners couldn't provide with the lease, that the contract is month to month. So if you have not received the rent for the current month so far, you have to post a pay or vacate sign at their door (and send a certified letter as well) If they don't pay after the accorded time (say 5 days) you can start the eviction. 

Of course I'm not a lawyer, but that is the route I would go. Why don't you have the keys to the house?