Eviction Process Tips for a 13 Years "Free-Living" Roomate

[Anthony Sarrouf]

Hello everyone!

I need your help on an eviction case.
I just signed a contract on a property today. The situation is pretty messed up so I thought about reaching out to the group to see if anyone have heard of a similar one. I'm in Columbus Ohio, Franklin County.

Property is owned by Homeowner (A). Homeowner (A) is the only person on the title, on the deed and on the mortgage.
She purchased the property in 2007, and her friend/roommate or whatever you want to call her has been living with her since then.
Some time ago, her roommate left for 7 months. When she came back, she wasn't allowed in by Homeowner (A), but cops let her in because she's been living there for so long and "receives mail to the property".
She doesn't like the idea of Homeowner (A) selling the house, and messed up a few showings with a realtor from the past.
She also used to pay Homeowner (A) a portion of the mortgage to her directly just to partially contribute. There is no documentation of this, except for this month... When she found out about Homeowner (A) possibly selling the house to an investor sight-unseen, she paid the lender the monthly payment directly, so now there is documentation. I am not worried about trying to claim ownership or anything, since mortgage is under Homeowner (A)'s name. I'm worried about the eviction process to get the roommate out of the property so we can close on it.

Due to the fact the roommate has been living there for so long, does not have a lease and doesn't pay rent, I am asking for a few tips to give her in regards to the eviction process and making it as efficient as possible. What are your thoughts?

Also, the purchase agreement does have an extended inspection period, a clause that says roommate needs to be vacated, and a portion of the purchase price held in escrow and only will be released to the seller if the roommate does not ruin the property when evicted.

Thanks in advance.

[Patricia Steiner]

It's not going to be quick or easy for the homeowner.  My recommendation would be for the homeowner to send the "roommate" a certified letter advising that the property has been sold and that she must vacate on or before (date).  If she doesn't, the homeowner will either have to evict that person - or do a "cash for keys" deal to get rid of her. 

Kudos to you for writing the Purchase Contract absolutely the right way.  The homeowner should send the notice immediately and insist that the roommate start packing as failure to do so will come with some pretty unpleasant consequences.

Fingers crossed for you.