I just bought a MFH USDA Rural Development and the acting manager (not my hire) messed up and was fired. She tried to evict a tenant "due to criminal activity" but it was domestic violence. Served 7 day notice to quit 3 days after the incident. Filed eviction, which was dismissed by former owners attorneys the night before court. Then filed a non-renewal in july. The tenant filed a fair housing complaint and has been successful so far. 1 HUD violation = $21k+ 2nd HUD violation = $40k+ civil penalties to HUD. PLUS any damages to plaintiff. Should I offer money to tenant to move? Would that avoid HUD determination? I have an attorney telling me one thing, but I don't agree. Looking for opinions. I know its not going to be on me, but I don't want my reputation to suffer.
Also, the tenants husband had been living with her for 7 years with no problems before the DV incident occurred. I was told that former mgmt gave him verbal permission and until AM (acting manager) was hired there was not a problem either. Also the eviction only listed tenant on lease, not her husband. He went to jail and wanted to come home. AM had him criminally trespassed. Wouldn't he have to be evicted also being as he lived there for 7 years and was the "breadwinner". Is the criminal trespass even legal? GA law is very vague about it. Also, I was told that he suffered a work injury in 2020 and "changed". This is from another tenant and also that the wife wants him home. Previous mgmt did not do a very good job at enforcement obviously. But if neither were evicted, and tenant has legal representation, what can I do?
I know this is a lot, like I said, any help is good help! I didn't find out all of this until after closing. I chose it because it was a small property to start out with, but I didn't know it was going to be like Melrose Place.
TIA
