Owner Wants to Occupy Month After Closing

[Tyler Haanen]

Hello Everyone,

I need some advice. I am closing on a duplex in a few weeks and have just learned that the owner would like to occupy their current unit until the end of September (a week and month after closing).

I am getting an owner-occupied loan and the other unit is vacant, so no issues on that end. I am just not sure how to approach this issue because it opens up to an awkward time. The owner is older and has owned the home for many years. 

My wife and I were planning to start some modest renovations to both units and get one ready to rent as soon as possible. 

Has anyone else experienced something like this? What did you do or would of done differently?

Should I charge her rent for the month on a month-to-month basis? Or would I be better off negotiating some seller concessions at closing?

I would not feel good about putting out an elderly woman even if it was my right to after becoming the owner. So that is not an option for me.

Any advice that can be offered for this situation is greatly appreciated! Thank you.