Closing on property, cannot get keys

[David Miller]

Hello,

I am closing on my first rental unit on July 1st.  This is an off market deal and we are using a real estate agent.  The unit is currently rented, but will be delivered vacant.  The issue I am having is that the current property manager is being impossible.  They are refusing to return the call of the current owner so that we can have the keys transfered to my property manager.  The current property manager is a well known firm and for now I am not disclosing their name.

Any advice on what to do? I obviously need to get into the unit, probably put a coat of paint on at the least, and get it rented as soon as possible.  

[Andrew B.]

Just drill out the locks and install a new lock. You should change keys anyway when you buy it. I’d be more concerned about actually getting in to do a walkthrough before closing. If you do that successfully, get the keys at that time.