Remove illegal occupants

[Wen Guo]

I have a rental, as when I bought it the addition was unpermitted, I bought it, after 2 years, I removed all the tenants and tried to legalize the addition. While sitting empty waiting for permits, someone went in a few weeks ago and changed the lock. They closed all the curtains and I couldn’t see anything inside, nor getting the access.

What should I do?

Cut off utilities? Ask lock smith to change the lock and move all their belongings to the curb? Report to police?

I talked to police, they said if the occupants established residency, I have to have lawyers to evict them. That means months of legal process and fees.

What do you suggest? Thanks so very much!!!

Wen from Castro Valley California