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 about 13 years ago,

User Stats

69
Posts
18
Votes
Mike Welch
  • San Francisco, CA
18
Votes |
69
Posts

Seller Left Behind 1/2 Ton of Garbage in Alley Behind Property Line

Mike Welch
  • San Francisco, CA
Posted

I closed on my first rental property in late July and have been working hard to get it ready as a rental unit. I've got an excellent property manager in place, and we already have several rental applications we're reviewing.

I acquired the property through a short sale. The seller was required to leave the property in 'broom clean' condition.

I noticed, days after the final walk through, that the former owner had discarded a large pile of rubbish into the alleyway directly behind the property. The alleyway belongs (I believe) to the city.

I agreed to pay a contractor to remove the rubbish pile. However, he called today and reported that the pile is filled with dog and cat feces to the point where no city dump will take it and where it is hazardous for him to handle.

I'm concerned I could be cited by the city, and that a neighbor or a tenant will eventually complain of the smell.

Should I report this proactively to the city? Should I contact the seller's agent and insist that he remove the rubbish? Should I find a specialized waste removal service?

I'm not sure I'm liable as 1) I didn't dump this material, and 2) it is not on my property. However, it is clearly behind the wall to my property.

Thank you in advance!

Any recommendations on how to proceed?

Loading replies...