Hi all,
I'm needing some help I've been renting property for about 3 years and this week I accepted my first con artist into one of my apartments. I feel pretty embarrassed about foolish I was and how lightly I screened. The tenant was very likable right off. After her deposit, first month check, and direct deposit form all came back declined within a few days everything was becoming very clear.
Come to find out she signed the application and lease under her 14 year old daughters name. When I searched nothing came up and I thought all was good. Her deposit and 1st rent check was a gift from her "Mom", not actually her mom but her own real name. Had I searched this name in the first place I would have found more than enough info to stay far away from her. I tracked down a real former landlord of hers who had a pending criminal case against her.
I called her and let her know I knew she wasn't who she said she was which was very awkward for me I usually feel very uncomfortable with confrontation. Any way the conversation went like this
me: you have 24 hours to get out or I'll start the eviction process.
tenant: "thank you sir and hung up."
she tried calling back but i didnt pick up and then she texted where she should leave the keys. I told her on the counter. The next day I told her I would be picking up the keys at 7pm.
tenant: "I wont be able to get her big items out until the next day because of work."
me: you have until noon after that anything inside will be brought outside. She then responded
tenant: "well i dont think you can actually do that without an eviction notice but we will remove our things accordingly"
I'm not sure exactly what she meant by that but I responded: "actually eviction doesn't apply because you committed fraud on your application and lease which is null and void"
she had no response after that. I don't know if what I said is technically true, but my question is, is the tenant in this situation trespassing and am I allowed to reclaim my apartment without the eviction process and remove her belongings if she is still there.
Should I call the police and let them know what I'm doing?
Thanks for any help