Inherited Tenant Concerns

[Breahna Downer]

I’m in the process of buying a triplex with two inherited tenants. One is by all indication an A+ tenant who’s been there 4 years and cares about the property. The other tenant is a concern and I’m trying to decide the best approach to take.

-This tenant is an “at will” tenant (no signed lease).

-Used to own the home, but had to sell it to his brother when he ended up in financial trouble.

-Has shown indication that he is bitter about his brother now selling the home and making money on it.

-Was sleeping on his couch during our viewing of the property stating “he forgot”.

-Followed the inspector around trying to point out issues on the home.

-Chain smokes around the property.

-Keeps his rental unit very sloppy from what we have seen.

-Hasn’t paid a security deposit.

I’ve been told he pays his monthly rent every month, but I’ve seen no concrete evidence of this. I also asked for him to fill out an estoppel certificate and there are some indications that his brother (the seller) just filled it out for him. It definitely seems there is bitterness between the brothers and that the tenant still feels some ownership over the property.

My gut is telling me that I have the current landlord serve his brother a 30 day notice to vacate the home before closing so that I can start fresh when I take over. However, part of me worries about the work his unit will need done and possible damage he will cause in his anger about leaving. 

Another part of me just wants to run from this deal completely because it’s messy and I’m new to this.

Any thoughts or similar experiences would be very much appreciated!