Skip to content
Two investors reviewing resources on a laptop

Get industry-leading resources — for free

Unlock resources for every investing strategy and stage with a free account.

By continuing, you agree to BiggerPockets LLC's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
Buying & Selling Real Estate
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

User Stats

2
Posts
0
Votes
Coy Barnes
  • Investor
  • Paso Robles, CA
0
Votes |
2
Posts

Renters without rental/lease contracts

Coy Barnes
  • Investor
  • Paso Robles, CA
Posted

I will be buying my first property soon.  One of the possibilities is a 5 unit and 3 units do not have rental contracts.  Can I have the tenants sign contracts during the escrow process? 

Any other Ideas I would love!

  • Coy Barnes
  • Most Popular Reply

    User Stats

    5,752
    Posts
    3,861
    Votes
    Michael Noto
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Southington, CT
    3,861
    Votes |
    5,752
    Posts
    Michael Noto
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Southington, CT
    Replied

    @Coy Barnes  The fact that 3 of the 5 tenants have no lease may be indicative of how tight of a ship the current landlord runs.

    Make sure to verify what they pay in terms of monthly rent, with no leases they can tell you any amount.  Verify what they pay and that they actually pay.

    Are the numbers good on this deal?  Is this your first rental?  Just take the time to do your due diligence, taking over a property where the majority of the tenants have no leases can be a sticky situation where experience definitely helps.

    Personally, I would run my numbers as if I will have to evict the 3 tenants without leases.  if they willingly sign a lease at a market competitive rate than great, if they aren't you have to be prepared.

    Also, if they have no lease, I am assuming they did not get a background check run on them either.  You might want to do that as well.

    Loading replies...