Seller refuses to transfer tenant's security deposit and rent

[Wes Park]

Hello All,

I just closed on a tenant-occupied investment property. At the closing table, the seller said he will not relinquish the tenant's security deposit nor the prorated rent for the month. He stated that my need to reschedule the closing caused extra expenses. The closing attorney stated nothing was written in the contract so I had no right to these demands.

My realtor had verbal understandings with the seller's realtor that I had to accept the tenant if I wanted to buy the property –- which I was fine with. Of course they gave me a copy of the lease.

I'm taking action, but I was just curious if anyone's experienced something like this and how they handled it. TIA for any thoughts/guidance.