Buying a duplex, do existing leases transfer to me automatically?

[Austin Entrop]

I am buying a duplex. Both sides occupied. Current tenants just renewed for another 3 years each until July 2018. Good deal, will put it in the deal diaries a little later after we close in a few days.

Do the leases automatically transfer to me? Or do I have to get the tenants to sign a new lease with my name on it as the landlord? What if they refuse to sign the new lease?

And if they refuse, what if they decide to break the lease later on down the road and the lease is still in the old owners name? Will I have authority to enforce the lease?