how to proceed when property likely abandoned and eviction process occuring. FLORIDA

[Account Closed]

Hello,

The tenant came from out of state and likely left and went back to their home. They did not surrender the keys and would not respond to any attempts at communication. The eviction process has been started- and I am guessing it could take 2-3 weeks to complete. Looking in the windows there is almost nothing in the home, a few pieces of furniture and no signs of life.  Do I need to wait until the eviction process is complete to do anything inside the home?  The home is located in florida.

THanks

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Account Closed:

No. 

The law says you can enter if there's an emergency. Knock many times, ring the door bell, call out before/after you open the door, and as you walk through. If you stumble across someone still living there and they get angry, tell them you thought you heard an abandoned baby crying or something.

If you're not comfortable, post a notice on the door that you suspect it's abandoned and will be back in 24 hours to inspect. 

You can also consider taking someone with you for safety or as a witness, and you can always record your visit on video or even just audio.

You can typically tell when a property is abandoned. Old food, or no food. No clothing. No blankets. No TV or computer. They probably left behind a few pieces of crappy/broken furniture that wouldn't fit in their car.

If it's abandoned, stop the eviction hearing, change the locks, clean the place up, and start looking for the next renter to cut your losses.