Prep for possible eviction?

[Anthony Vaiana]

Here’s the story...

I closed on my duplex Friday. I will be moving into the vacant side next weekend, and inheriting tenants of other unit. I will be giving the other tenant their 60 day notice per the month to month agreement they had with the previous landlord. The plan is so they have to move out by the end of July, at which point I hope to have tenants lined up for the original unit I moved into after some updating. Then I want to move my stuff over to the inherited tenants side (as it’s the nicer unit).

Unfortunately the inherited tenants have 4 larger dogs, a guinea pig, and two cats (one of which they adopted a week before closing). When the seller put the property on the market they figured they wouldn’t be able to stay there, and started looking for a house. Because they cannot find a place to rent with 7 animals?... weird...

I told them of my intention to occupy their unit beginning of August. They are not happy and are asking what they will do if they can’t find a house in time. I told them I may be able to work with them if they are in process of closing as good faith. But I want to have my first unit ready to be rented in August, and worry that inherited tenants might over stay their notice.

So my question is, should I prepare for them not to leave when I plan and start the eviction process? Is that even something possible to take pre eviction steps, where I could have them removed on a certain day if they are not out? If I have a signed lease agreement for first unit, I need to be able to move into this other one. Otherwise I would have to cancel the new tenant lease which may come with ramifications. Or hold off on leasing first unit until I’m sure they will be out on a certain date.

Just want to see if anyone has any input or suggestions for my situation. Thank you!!