I may have a sublet squatter...

[John Ringgold]

We recently bought a duplex and shortly before closing we found out the person living in the unit was actually subletting from the lease holder. After closing we notified the lease holder that their month to month lease would not be extended. She said she would make sure the people would be notified and would be gone by May 1. This week we get a call from the person living in the house stating that our lease holder did not notify them. We expected them to be out so we could begin demo.

If they don’t leave, what is the process to remove them. They never had a written lease with our lease holder so are they squatting or do they have additional rights?

Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

[David Avery]

Even squatters have rights!

I don't agree.

Today is the day , May 1st.   

I would go over and knock on the door, wait about 10 seconds and open the door.

Be careful but firm.  Hopefully no one has a loaded gun and in a bad mood. 

I would open the door like 2 inches only and peak and if it is occupied just say

firmly and a little loud.  We have a construction crew here to demo  in 30 minuets.

Hopefully someone will awake and come to the door.

Just say  , really need you to get your stuff and you have about 30 minuets.

If they are easy to work with you could even say,  Can I help you with anything!

You will  just need to play it out.

Hopefully they are gone!

Also your Broker would have most of your questions and concerns, answers for.