Tenant Abandoned Rental Property

[Zinkeng Asonganyi]

Fellow Landlords, this is new to me, so I need some advice. Inherited a tenant when I bought a duplex. Their normal living conditions are dirty to say the least. Lease expire 07/31, but they have abandoned the property and allegedly moved out turned off AC, water etc.. and it’s trash everywhere,disgusting and mold and insects are building up. Been trying to go inspect the property the past 2 months but it’s been one excuse after another. Thankfully drove down to find out they had apparently moved out late January. Police came in and opened a case I could use in court. Any advice on how to go about this? Thanks much

[Jared Hottle]

I'm sorry to hear about the situation you're dealing with. Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

1. Document the condition of the property: Take photos and videos of the property's condition, especially if there is evidence of damage, trash, mold, or insects. This documentation can be used as evidence in court.
2. Notify the tenant: Send a written notice to the tenant stating that you believe they have abandoned the property and requesting that they return the keys and vacate the premises immediately. You can also include a statement that you will pursue legal action if they do not comply.
3. Inspect the property: Once you have notified the tenant, you can inspect the property to assess the extent of the damage and make any necessary repairs. If you find that the tenant has caused damage beyond normal wear and tear, you can deduct the cost of repairs from their security deposit.
4. Hire a professional cleaning service: If the property is in an unsanitary condition, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service to remove any trash, mold, or insects. Again, you can deduct the cost of the cleaning from the security deposit if necessary.
5. Consider legal action: If the tenant does not comply with your request to vacate the property and/or pay for damages, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover any unpaid rent, damages, or cleaning costs. The police report you filed can be used as evidence in court.
6. Review landlord-tenant laws: Make sure you are familiar with the landlord-tenant laws in your state, especially regarding security deposits, evictions, and legal action. You may want to consult with a lawyer to ensure you are following the correct legal procedures.

I hope this helps, and good luck with resolving the situation.