house under contract - buyers ready - TENANTS WONT LEAVE!

[Chris Gould]

Hi BP, 

I have a house under contract in Indiana with several interested buyers. 

The owner of the home said the tenants (his sister-in-law) were cool with him selling the house. Then after signing the contract, I tried to set up a visit with my cash partner and the tenants suddenly decide to not move out. 

They are telling the homeowner that they'll keep paying rent until the house is paid off (the rent was paying the mortgage on the home). It's a touchy family situation because the homeowners' wife died and he's not really apart of this side of the family anymore. 

In short, what are my options? The house is ready to go and I want to get rid of it but these tenants are giving me a headache. I'd like to avoid getting an attorney/sheriffs involved. 

Thanks,

Chris

[Michael Bardelmeier]

Hi @Chris Gould.   As other's have commented, it's really your buyer's issue, but in an effort to keep good relations with your buyer for future wholesales, I'd advise a "cash for keys" scenario where you (or your buyer) pay them a fee to vacate.  

Also, a little humanity can go a long way in these situations and treating the tenant with respect and dignity will help them to be more cooperative.  I guess that'd be more of a "cash & kindness for keys" scenario.  Good luck closing this deal.