If I need to sell my house, how can I get my tenants to cooperate?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
If I need to sell my house, how can I get my tenants to cooperate?
I live in one state but have a rental house to sell in another. My tenants are being difficult by not allowing my real estate agent in to take pictures and now are not returning phone calls. I have given them notice that I have given the agent permission to enter the home to take pictures and do an open house. I fear that the home is a mess. The yard is a mess and they have built an illegal structure off the back door. Their lease is up in less than 2 months but I need to start the process ASAP.
Asked on December 5, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The can't keep you--or your realtor--out; you owe them notice, but do not need their permission, and may enter after appropriate notice.
You can force them to take down any structures which, under the lease or zoning laws, they had no right to build, but if they will not do so voluntarily, would have to file legal action to get a court order.
You can't force them to clean up, unless the lease actually puts in place cleanliness standards; if it does, you can enforce it, again, through the courts if necessary.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.