Right now you are looking at having possession of the property somewhere around mid to late October.

I would think that if there is no standing lease and non-payment, you would have the right to file for eviction as soon as you take possession of the property.As far as back-rent, that is the problem of the previous owner.

A headlamp or four are definitely already among my possessions ;o)

If they don't serve the notice in person and physically hand the notice to the resident, then you can only get a judgement for possession and not for monetary damages.

What does your purchase contract say about "possession"?  

I let our agent know we wouldn't accept deductions from the deposit for her rent, but it ended up being a moot point since they evicted her and we haven't taken possession yet.This is the same reason I don't like to see late fees and what not charged against the security deposit, if the property sells it becomes the new owner's problem.  

POSSESSION: Possession of the property and occupancy (tenants excepted), with all keys and garage door openers, will be delivered to the Buyer when title transfers.

All states have the quiet enjoyment angle for tenants and that does not end really until you take possession.

Walter, exactly what were you thinking when you let the tenant take possession of the property prior to the lease date?".

I like to think of it as possessing a double edge sword and I'm going into battle and I need to use both edges at the same time.thing.