Tenant that is using house for storage

[Michael Sontheimer]

Hi everyone. I recently acquired a duplex. On one side, one of the tenants that has been there for many years has slowly filled up his living room, one of the bedrooms, the basement and the ENTIRE garage with stuff. It is not trash, it is simply 'stuff'. In the house it does not pose an issue. But the basement and the garage (which is supposed to be half for one unit and half for the other) being full I have a problem with.

My issue and reason for this post is that the previous owner gave the tenant permission to store his things and there is nothing written in the contract regarding the topic. I know I will be the 'bad guy' by telling him that he needs to move his stuff out of those areas. That does not bother me so much. But I would like a professional and/or legal way to enforce it when he tells me 'but the last owner said I could and there is nothing in writing saying I have to remove it'.

Any help on the topic is greatly appreciated!