What do I do if I have a unit that is unfit (due to feces) to auction, but the tenant won't pay?

Blringer37

I have a tenant who tried to live in her unit with a cat. She told several people that she used it as a latrine and so did the cat. She wants me to open it again so she can get her "personal items" out but I am worried that she will not leave. The eviction process takes up to 6 months in this state. Any suggestions? She calls me several times daily so I have quit answering the phone. I don't think I can auction it without a total clean out.

MamaDuke7

Have you confirmed that to be true?  Maybe she just talks a lot and didn't really do what she said?  I'd think you'd be smelling it if this is true. If the time frame is right in your lien process, cut the lock and find out exactly what you're dealing with.  You may very well be able to sell it.

OR...

Maybe you could arrange a time for her to be there to get her things and have law enforcement there to "Keep the peace."  With them keeping watch, hopefully she would just get her stuff and go.

Blringer37

Both good suggestions. I will check into it. The police confirmed that she was living there and she admitted to having a cat there. I have seen the inside of the unit (we have locked her out with our combination locks on both ends) and it is so full of utter junk that I am not sure you could smell anything if it was buried under this stuff. I had several break-ins while she was there but since she has been locked out, I have had no further problems with that. They spray painted my cameras and cut the wires to my lights. It has been a nightmare. I may be able to get law enforcement there to oversee. 

KellyR

Cat odors will permeate through anything unless treated with a special enzyme cleaner.

You would definitely be able to smell.