Squatting tenant refuses to move

CAN YOU please give me advice on how to proceed with a challenging matter? We are leasing a property in Newlands and were supposed to move in on January 8.

The property forms part of a late estate and the new owner has leased the property to us. Unfortunately there is a person with his grown-up son and daughter who refuse to move.

We have a letter from the owner whose lawyer corresponded with this person. He was advised six months ago to be out in January.

This person does not pay rent or utilities and made a statement that we can’t just walk in as he owns a firearm. We have not been back since as we are afraid.

Apart from getting this dragged out, what can we do?

Georgie: This is not something you should concern yourself with as a tenant – the landlord needs to conduct a legal eviction, via the courts. If the tenant has threatened you, you could go to the police but my suggestion is get your deposit back and run. The tenant won’t budge – you don’t need those problems.