Inherited tenants ... Now what?

[John Daly]

So I closed on a SFH a few weeks ago that already has tenants in place. At closing I received a copy of the lease agreement. It’s a 12 month lease and they moved in on June 29. As of today they are 6 days late on their rent. I don’t have their phone numbers, just their names. 3 days ago I put a paper notice on their door stating ownership of the property has changed, they are late on their rent and please call this number to submit payment immediately. I’m not sure how the previous owner received payment. This property is probably a B-class property and I’m sure the renters are making minimum wage or close to it. Legally, what should be my next step? Should I knock on the door? Give them a pay-by date or else? Any advice appreciated.

[Thomas S.]

Ignore all the advice so far given until to sit down and take the time to learn your state landlord tenant regulations. You should have done this before you started your business and had you done that you would not find yourself in this situation of not knowing what to do. You should not be dealing with tenants until you know and understand the regulations that govern your business.

Do nothing until you learn the law or you risk making mistakes that will cost you money, time and possibly unnecessary court time in front of a judge..