Tenant Storing Affects on Rental Property

[Tina Lubben]

I purchased a multifamily and found out tenants are storing personal items in a detached garage that is about 100 years old, and in disrepair. The home inspection revealed severe insect infestation, broken windows, and damaged masonry, plus there is a makeshift set of stairs leading to a loft. The lease with the former owner does not state anything about storage outside of the unit, and my new lease starting Feb 1, 2020 states there is no storage about the property outside of the unit. I sent the tenants notice that due to structural and safety concerns, the shed was going to be cleaned out, then locked by landlord, and they should remove any items they wish to keep to avoid being discarded. I am sending a second notice this week, and in the meantime, got a text from one couple stating "who's going to pay to store my stuff?" In this case, am I required to provide storage to the tenants? I'm putting a lot of resources into necessary upgrades to the home, but am not going to salvage the garage. I'm concerned someone will get hurt/I will get sued, or they will translocate insects into the home.

[Nathan Gesner]

Your new lease doesn't go into effect until February 2020. Until then, you can't do much. Just continue to keep the tenant informed of the pending change. One week prior to execution, give them notice that anything in the storage unit on February 1st will be considered abandoned property and you will dispose of it as you see fit.

That may not be legal but you're probably not dealing with rocket scientists and you're giving them plenty of warning.