What to Do with Inherited Tenant

[Zach C.]

Hi Everyone,

I have a few ideas in mind, but considering this is my first property, I figured I would ask more seasoned professionals for advice. I close on my first property a week from today (a triplex I am house hacking). I have one tenant I am inheriting that is a student at the local college that is a half mile away. She has no lease, no security deposit, and has not paid the current owner rent for the month of November. During walkthroughs I have seen that her unit is pretty untidy and she also has 2 cats that she has not paid a pet deposit for. My question is how to handle it when I close? I need the rent money to help fix the place up and finding tenants in December in Illinois does not seem like it will be a fast process. I appreciate any advice, thank you.