Renters Squatting in Recently Purchased Off-Market Deal - TEXAS

[Joseph OHare]

Hello everyone, I have a unique situation that I have not experienced before. I purchased an off-market property located in Texas through Auction.com. The property was listed as occupied. I figured this would take some work but I have managed to get people out before. The part I didn't realize was that the property is occupied by renters (and these renters do not open the front door). I don't have any of their information and the previous owner won't provide it so I can't evict or even discuss with the tenants. Can anyone provide some insight into what I should do next? Would an Attorney make sense at this point? Website where I can find their info? 

[Jennifer Ryan]

Hey Joseph,

Hate to hear you're having this issue.

Just my thoughts...

I think the same principle as “Cash for Keys”, might apply here. You do not want to tick these people off or they most certainly will retaliate by destroying your property. Maybe start w a taped letter to their front door stating that you haven’t been able to get in touch with them, that you are new owner and would like to talk about their plans and their options, that you do not want to evict them but, if you don’t hear back from them in 72 hours, you will have no choice.

You can always do the eviction process but maybe, they might be open to voluntarily going if you can allow then a certain period of time in which to re-locate…