Acquired tenant w/mid-month lease, prior owner stated due 1st

[Lisa Beauchamp]

Hello,

I have a problem with a tenant in a property I just acquired.  I have a 4 unit multi and the tenant entered into a year lease starting on the 15th of the month.  The owner came to the property 2 days before closing (March 23rd) and collected the rent.  The owner gave us credit for 3/23-3/31 only, but the tenant said he paid through April 15th.  The tenant always paid cash or deposited funds in owner's account and the prior owner didn't provide receipts.  I believe the tenant as he said he paid 1st month and 1 month security and has paid him monthly amount on or after the 15th.

As a newbie investor I don't think there is anything I can do about this now, but I wanted to know how to prevent this from happening again in the future.  Especially when dealing with landlords who don't provide receipts or keep proper accounting records.  How should I have handled this?  Any advice is appreciated and thank you in advance.