Buying a townhouse with a month to month rental tenant

[Hoa Huynh]

Hi. I found a two-family townhouse in Manhattan which I would like to buy. The only thing that concerns me is that the listing states the month-to-month rental tenant will vacate upon sale. What if the seller cannot vacate the tenant before closing? How long will my process be delayed to wait for the seller to vacate? Is it possible for me to request property vacancy before down payment? Any advice will be much appreciate. Thanks.

[Antonio Cordeiro]

Hoa,

Congratulations on joining the BP site.

I am not clear on your goals for the property as worded in your first forum.

It appears that you want the tenant out prior to taking possession so that you can vet your own tenants. You can make this a condition of your purchase or a negotiation tactic to get a better price because you will assume the costs of getting the person out if they are not willing.

I do not know the laws in NYC. The best strategy is speak with the tenant and ask what are their intentions( well worded) "Where are you moving to?" " Is this apartment going to be renting soon?" 

Just dig a little deeper looking for potential trouble. This is your business, your money, your reputation and your future!

Had I first done this(before BP existed), it would have saved me a world of pain.

Best of luck