Cash For Keys Fail. Any other ideas?

[Navroze Pirza]

I have a duplex property which I've just agreed to sell.  Problem is that the tenants are refusing to leave.  This could jeopardize the sale of the property.

Anyone know if there is any recourse I have?  I can apply for an L2 eviction, however this will take months, and the deal will be dead (and when the case is heard, I don't know if they'll side with me since there won't be a deal on the table).

I've tried offering the tenants cash to leave (cash for keys), but nothing has worked.  Any thoughts from anyone as to how to get around this?

[Patricia Steiner]

I would take a slightly different approach at this point...

1. Find/engage a realtor who works with rental properties and have that realtor provide you with potential rental listings that might be close to what your tenants are paying now - or that could be negotiated to that amount.

2.  Contact a "local moves" company and find out what they would charge to do a move and setup for your tenants.

Then put it all together; re-approach the tenants but with a "package deal." You will provide them with a realtor at no cost to them (there is no cost to the tenant) to help them find a new home that will provide them with a more long-term residence than your property will provide. Show them some sample listings: maybe instead of a duplex, there's a SFH - or a duplex with a fenced in yard...something that could be sold as a step-up from what they have now. Offer to pay the cost of the move with a local moves company. And, stress that staying at the current property is really not an option that will provide them with a long-term solution. It's going to go through a major rehab and to live through that process would be complete misery.

Long story short:  put a marketing package together for them and sell them on the idea of a "new beginning" that is supported by a professional realtor and a free move and set-up.  That's what's in it for them...that will be the best shot in getting this done for you.

Been there...did this...it works.  Hope this helps.