Conclusion to the tenant that would not respond to phone calls nor let me, as the buyer, inside the duplex to see her leased side of the duplex. Here's how I ultimately attained access to the duplex;
The Ft Worth Housing Authority was notified of my intent to purchase. Fort Worth Hosing was also informed of the challenges I was having with the tenant. They were provided a copy of the receipted contract from seller along with "approval to enter and change locks."
A 24 hour "Notice of Entry" for inspection and "Notice to Change Locks" was placed on the door of the duplex. The notice explained that the inspection would take place in between 2:00-6:00PM
A locksmith was scheduled to meet me at the duplex on the next day at 5:00PM. The that tenant still was not returning calls or text messages after numerous repeated attempts between the time that we posted the 24hr notice and time of arrival 24hrs later.
The plan was to open the duplex via locksmith, change locks, inspect duplex and take photos. We would then leave a lock-box with the new keys, on the doors for the tenant with direction for the tenant to call my contact number for the lockbox combination enabling her to attain the new keys.
On the next day I met the locksmith and the end buyer at the property the next day (I was wholesaling this property)
I was immediately greeted buy the adult son of the tenant with a group of characters lurking in the background. The son challenged me regarding my intent to inspect and change locks. I showed the son the inspection paperwork required by Ft Worth Housing Authority in order for her to remain on government assistance and relocate elsewhere with continued government assistance. The son wanted to know why we were changing locks and locking his mother out of the property. I explained that we are purchasing the property and must inspect the property. I also told him that we have been trying to contact his mother numerous different occasions repeatedly. I advised him that we are not on site to kick his mother out or lock her out of the duplex..... simply inspect!
I communicated to him that I have been trying to contact his Mother repeatedly without any response. I told him that if she would of simply responded to my calls then there would not of been any communication issues. He played the "She does not speak any English" card. Little did he know that the day that I originally viewed the property prior to placing it under contract, I had a nice conversation with her in English. In fact she told me all the problems with the property, her intent to move as well as the history of the property....She even gave her phone number. I did not challenge his excuse, I just let it go.
I once again explained to him that his Mother can stay until her notice to relocate and lease expires. All we are here to do is inspect and change locks as directed by seller. He acquiesced, we inspected and changed locks.
While inside we had a nice conversation with tenant, I introduced her to the end buyer as my partner in this transition. She was happy to hear that the end buyer was going to repair the issues within the duplex. I handed her two new keys. The end buyer and I left the property and closed the next day at Title office. Success!
Thanks Robin, Israel, Aaron and Brian for your input/feedback!
This was a learning event for me, and as always, I continue to learn something new in this business on a daily basis. Thanks again!
Steve