Who gets past due rent the seller or the buyer?

[Keith Kendrex]

I recently bought some properties that have tenants who owed the seller. I assumed that after the transaction, that money was lost to the seller or at least any money I collected would go to me first and any additional could go for back rent. The realtor and seller are telling me that any money I collect now that I am the new owner must first go to the seller for his back rent. Is this really true?