New rental purchase help

[Cody Stegeman]

Hello all! I'm in a frustrating situation I haven't experienced before and am looking for some insight on how to approach the whole thing. I recently bought a triplex, after we had closed and the property manager who was working for the previous owner informed me that the hot water heater in one of the units stopped working a few days ago. I'm in MN, I know that's against disclosure laws with RE transactions, but the previous owner is being obstinate. I found out from the tenant they had been without hot water for 15 days ( occurred right after my inspection), so I replaced the unit to alleviate the problem. I sent a copy of the bid from my plumber to the previous owner showing what he owed me , and he is saying he will only settle for 400/1100 since "I get a new hot water heater". What should my next step be?

[John Woodrich]

@Cody Stegeman If he will pay you anything take it - seemingly your inspection identified an "older" water heater and you knew it would need to be replaced.  Most rentals are also sold "as is" and "waiving all disclosures" so your options for recourse are probably none.  The timing wasn't good but it could have hung on for a month and would have still been your problem.