So the tenant's utilities have been shut off for non-payment. They are responsible for utilities in the lease and 2 weeks ago were shut off. The city will now condemn the property due to no water in the premises. It stinks to high hell all the windows are open and the place is a nightmare. What recourse do I have for immediate relief? I do want the tenant out ASAP. Thoughts as to my rights? --104.10.xxx.xxx

talk to the city codes department that condemnation might get them out right away --172.56.xx.xx

Around here when they condem a place they kick everyone out. --107.77.xx.xx

If I made the tenants leave, I'd have to pay them relocation money or win an eviction which would take months in our kangaroo courts. Good luck and be glad you property isn't here. --173.55.xx.xxx

--104.10.xxx.xxx

There is no way I would let the City "condemn" my property. I would find some other way to get the tenants out. Once you let Big Bro on-site their list to get it out of condemnation will cost you far more than an eviction. I try and keep the gov as far away as possible. --75.160.xxx.xxx

one thing to consider I believe around here when they condemn aplace they automatically make you bring the building up to full modern codes you really should check on that --172.56.xx.xx

Others use this exact method to get out non paying tenants. They leave the utilities in their name and then just cut them off when the tenant doesn't pay. Then they call the city and report the tenant for not having running water. I wouldn't advise it. But let us know how bit turns out now that you are in the process. --98.191.xxx.xx

--184.6.xxx.xxx

I'll co-sign with the others. You may be opening a can of worms letting the property get condemned. I'd go the eviction route. Alternatively, you could just pay the water bill, depending upon what your lease says, apply any payments to the water bill reimbursement first which would still leave them on the hook for the rent and give you another cause for eviction, although I think you have enough basis to file for it now. --207.172.xx.x

The other option should be apparent to them. --24.156.xx.xx

Suggest they get packed up rather than taking showers in the sink at burger king, give back the keys and go with a relative where you can watch tv while your hair dries off. --75.94.xxx.xxx

Olde Miss Ally --73.178.xx.xxx

I'm sure glad I "landlord" in Kansas!! --67.143.xx.x

You should have started eviction for lack of utilities 2 weeks ago as they broke the lease by not keeping them on. Letting the city condemn your place is not the way to go. As the landlord in most states you are required to provide a habitable building and if it is condemned you would be required to provide housing at your cost for your tenants until you restore your property to habitable condition. Maybe you live in a jurisdiction that might let you get away with what you are about to do but my bet is that it is not likely. --96.236.xxx.xxx

Ed, do you that's true even when the lease clearly states the tenant is responsible for utilities? I also don't think the utility company will allow me to transfer the utilities to my name without the tenant consent. Sure, I could just write a check to avoid condemnation and have utilities turned on but chances of getting reimbursed are zero. --104.10.xxx.xxx

I would never let my city condemn my place, but it would turn into a nightmare for me. But your area may be different. But unless you KNOW what your city will do to you in the end, then I would handle it differently. Call and find out what is it gonna take to get the house back out of being condemned. I would start eviction now today, this minute. --98.94.xx.x