So the second extension to vacate of Saturday, Sept 21, 2013 at 5:00 pm had come and gone. I however did receive a phone call from the previous owner's son, but not to tell me they were out, rather that they were getting close. This time the excuse was due to the owner of the storage facilitated. They had been given the wrong combination and the business was not returning their phone calls. He proceeded to tell me the fridge and stove were not working and asked if it was ok for the friend who was helping them move things, could remove them. He told us he was going to take them for scrap. Um, Ok? Was it a story or the truth? So they've been living in the home with a non-working fridge and stove? Sounds suspicious to me. So, NO, they did not have my permission to remove the fridge and stove. I would determine their usability and if necessary make arrangements to have them removed.
Now when the son called, my family and I were three (3) hours west at a convention and would not be returning until Sunday afternoon. I indicated he should contact me Sunday evening and we could discuss the situation. This gave him a bit of extra time, but more importantly for me to stay level-headed, as well as talk through options with my hubby.
After our return from the convention, the hubby and I made a drive by. Sitting motionless on the front porch, with her back to the street, was the previous owner. I found this very odd. There was no other activity and the son's car was parked in the street and the red van was in the driveway. The garage was wide open and we could see a small amount of items on the garage floor. The old gray van which previously sat unmoved with the hood open for 6 months was now parked on the street. Yeah. I may not have deal with an abandoned vehicle. The front yard, however remained full of household items. While the items were different than the previous drive by, there was still A LOT of stuff in the yard. I still fret over the backyard. I know from the Health Inspector and the previous owner's son's comments that there is possibly a dog house and dog run, a swing set that got smashed by the trees that fell in the March ice storm and some garbage bags. We go about our business and wait.
Sunday 8:45 pm and no call. I picked up my cell phone and gave them a call. The son answered promptly and as usual was cordial and thanked me over and over for being to accommodating. Ok, but you are still in my house! I proceeded to inquire about the status of the move, noting that when we drove by today, there didn't appear to be much progress as the front yard was still filled with misc items. He noted they had made lots of progress over the last week, but with his mother having a bit of dementia, her taking things back in the house as he removed them, and his buddy helping move losing his phone, they weren't quite out of the house. He also proceeded to tell me that his sister was coming into town tomorrow and would really appreciate a few more days.
DEEP BREATH! It was at this point in the conversation, I reminded him that they have known about the deadline to vacate since the Sheriff's Sale on Feb 27, 2013 and that for all intents and purposes he was living rent free on my dime. In addition we have the City Health Department who could come out a any time and do a cleanup and place a lien against the house, which is now in my name, for the expenses. While he was quick to tell me he didn't want us to incur any additional expense and that he would take care of it, I highly doubt that if it does happen he would promptly pay the bill.
The sister coming to town piqued my interest. Using my ever-so-nice "tell me more" kindergarten teacher voice, I inquired on their plans upon her arrival. The son proceeded to tell me that she was coming to help - get mom out of the house so they could remove all their possessions. She was taking things back in the house and was not moving on easily. While I understand and have empathy for their situation, they are trespassing. I agreed to allow them time to assess things with his sister, however, my options were to move forward with the eviction (court hearing with summons and complaint) or have them execute a short term lease for the premises in the amount of $50 per day, with the charge beginning today, as the second extension had expired.
There was silence on the phone. He reluctantly agreed and promised to call me tomorrow following his sister's arrival and we would make arrangements to meet in a public place to sign the lease and make payment.
I then asked if it would be helpful to them if our debris removal contractor dropped off a dumpster. It would be easier for me if they just threw things they were not taking as opposed leaving them for me to clean up and remove. He was quite adamant they did not intend to leave us a mess. That they were moving everything. In the back of my head was running episodes of 'Hoarders'. While I haven't seen the house, I would bet it is full of treasures, of which the previous owner has a personal attachment to each and every item. They are her belongings, she owns them and is going to take every last item, whether of value or not. Oh man! What I have gotten myself into. I thanked him for the effort not to leave us with a lot of items and expense. And reminded him to call us after his sister's arrival.
Back to watching the Emmy's. I can't wait to hear the excuses, 'er, explanation on the next call.
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