Tenant who is Squatting - HOW TO REMOVE

[Kaitlyn Lockwood]

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of buying a duplex from my parents for my fiance and I to move into when we are married in less than 2 months. We have been pushing back the closing date because this tenant will not move out... My parents gave her notice well before 30 days and right before the 30 days was up, she filed financial hardship. SHe has always been good about paying her rent and responding to text messages, until the notice was given. She has not paid her rent since then, now has 5 cats (violating the lease) & 2 additional people living with her, also not on the lease. Not to mention she hasn't paid her utility bill since November and they will not shut it off because of COVID. We offered her cash for keys to move out by August 1st, which she took. She requested the money beforehand to pay for her security deposit, which we said no to because we would only give it when we got the keys. She responded with "do you want me to move out or not?" we felt like we had no other option and were aware of the risks, but decided to give her half when she requested it, while signing a contract saying she would owe $200 everyday after the 1st she was not out, plus any lawyer/court fees. she signed it and took the money. She told us she would have a U Haul there on Sunday moving stuff out, and would be back to clean on Monday and to hand over the keys. On Sunday I went by, and could see her sitting in the living room on her butt with her feet up watching tv. No signs of moving anything. Monday (today) i have now driven by twice and there is also no sign of a U haul and just as much stuff lying around. She is clearly not moving out and is not answering our text messages now. Is there anything we can do? She clearly can find a place, we have sent her line to plenty of open apartments that would take her and she doesn't go for any of them. I just don't get how ignorant a person can be considering she will owe us $1400 in one week? I understand she doesn't have to pay it now, but she does realize one day this would all bite her in the butt I'm assuming.... PLEASE HELP!! Wayne County NY