Inheriting a Delinquent Tenant

[Michael West]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a bit of advice regarding this matter. I have just closed on the purchase of a duplex with both units occupied. The two tenants are related to each other. During the purchase process, one of the tenants decided to stop making payments and since the original owner had passed and I was purchasing it through their trust, they did not want to deal with any of these issues prior to closing. So, I am inheriting this tenant as delinquent on day 1. How would you approach this?

[Nathan Gesner]

If the opportunity presents itself, I would let the tenant know that I intend to start the eviction process the day I take possession of the property. Maybe that would motivate them to get out early.

on the day of closing, I would immediately start the eviction process. If they promised to be good tenants and pay on time, or even if they promise to pay many months in advance, I would not care. They were contractually obligated to pay rent with the previous owner. I consider that theft and I do not negotiate with thieves.