Buying duplex that needs K/T remediation, how to address tenants

[Parker Babbe]

In a peculiar situation...

I'm buying a duplex that needs a complete knob and rube remediation. My insurance co. is actually requiring that it be completed within a few months of closing or they will cancel the policy.

I was planning on doing other updates to the units at the same time, asking the current tenants (who are monthly TAW) to leave....I plan on raising the rent substantially post renovations. The K/T remediation cannot be completed while someone is living in the unit, so that is out of the question. And the place really is not safe to live in with the current electrical setup. It needs to be addressed ASAP.

I'm worried that the tenants might not voluntarily leave when I ask them to at the end of this month when I close on the property.

If they say "no", then I cannot technically evict them because of the current moratorium on evictions in Massachusetts due to COVID.

Ideally, I convince them to leave on their own terms...

I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas around what I can do if they don't leave on their own terms at my request.

Thank you in advance!