I am considering the purchase of property in a sale conducted by the county for non-payment of real estate taxes. There is currently a tenant living in the property. If I purchase the property at the tax sale, what rights do I have to have the tenant evicted so I can tear down the property?

Hello Mary:

Even if he had a lease, it does not extend to you. But, he's still a tenant and you'll need to evict him according to state law. If he's paid rent, that should be transferred to you along with his deposit at closing. If he's paid rent, you can't evict him, but you can give him a 30 day notice the day you close. Or it might even be cheaper to offer him an incentive to get out now, because evicting him could conceivably take longer than 30 days and cost you some money.

excon