Owner refuse to leave the property after closing! (Philadelphia)

[Mike Dinh]

I purchased a property in South Philly. Everything closed without a problem and was told to give the former owner 2 days to move out, so I did. Then I contacted the owner and they asked for 4 weeks to move out because they haven't found a place to live. As you know time is money so I refused. I told them I can only let them stay for a week plus give them some assistance to move. They agreed. I'm afraid I would have to move them out through eviction, which can be long and painful. I was told I can have the utilities turned off, since I owned the house and they are technically trespassing. Also I was told I can go to local sheriff and ask to have them removed from my property. There is no lease agreement or any kind of paperwork indicated that they can stay after closing. Please give advise on this situation. Thank you

[J Scott]

What do you mean, "...was told to give the former owner 2 days to move out...?"

Who told you that?  Why did you listen?  It's your house...nobody should tell you what to do with it.  If it was your agent who told you this, get them involved and make them help you (though they may not be able to).

Regardless, consider this a lesson learned...  NEVER allow the seller to stay in the property after closing unless you have a well-defined agreement, and unless you're willing to take a chance of having to evict/eject the tenant if they don't leave.