Tenant is Refusing to Move

[Crispin Walsh]

Hi all, we are purchasing our first investment property in Montgomery AL and we have somewhat of a strange situation. We were supposed to close a bout 3 weeks ago but the tenants asked the Landlord (the seller) for 3 extra weeks to find a place. We (the new buyers) hesitantly agreed to push back the closing as the tenants had four young children and had no where to go. 

The backstory the tenants hadn't paid rent in a bout 10 months and didn't keep the property clean. The seller is now selling to get rid of the property and even though they verbally agreed to leave 3 weeks ago and have moved all their stuff to storage, they now claim they want it in writing (Notice to Vacate). We were told that they weren't able to find a new place so that's why they are still holding on to the keys and using the property daily. Initially the seller told our realtor that she did give written notice to the tenants, but now it appears that she didn't. We believe that this is a great investment so we are willing to wait on it. 

Does anyone have any advice on the quickest legal way she can get them to leave the property? Our closing was supposed to be today but we put if off until we have a clearer understanding on what's really going on.   

[Bjorn Ahlblad]

@Crispin Walsh whatever you do do not close until the tenant is out and has turned over the keys. This is a serious problem tenant. Make sure they are gone before you close. You do not own the property yet. Getting the tenant out is the current owner's job. All the best!