Legal
Writ of Possession
A court order that lets a new owner remove occupants who will not leave.
Buying a property at a tax sale does not remove the people living in it. If occupants stay, the buyer generally needs a court order, such as a writ of possession or an eviction judgment, enforced by the sheriff.
Budget time and legal costs for occupied properties, and never use self-help such as changing locks on an occupied home.
General information, reviewed 2026-10-12. Not legal advice. Rules change and each county publishes its own sale terms; confirm with the county before bidding.