Previous landlord trying to collect rent

[Igor S.]

Just thought I'd share a recent landlording story with my fellow BPers.

I purchased a 6-flat a few weeks ago from a landlord who was doing a pretty lousy job of managing the building. One thing we found out at closing was that not all the rents were collected for the current month. Since we closed mid-month, we made an agreement that as the new owner, I would be responsible to collect the rents from the tenants who hadn't paid yet.

As I was talking to tenants and introducing myself, I found out the previous landlord had actually called them to try and collect the unpaid rent (post-closing)! I clearly pointed out to the tenants we had a signed agreement from both the seller and buyer that I was to collect any unpaid rent as well as all rents going forward.

The tenants were just as shocked as I was and I will be changing locks ASAP.

[Nicole A.]

How nice of him. Did any of them pay him?

I'd say always change the locks the day of closing no matter what. Note how many you need beforehand so you're ready with them on closing day.