Inherited Terrible Tenants, Need Advice!

[Meagan Inman]

Hello everyone! 

After signing a warranty deed and a lease assignment, I now own a beachfront duplex! However, it came with some unnecessary stress in the form of 20-something year old tenants who won't work with me. 

The previous landlord was an old lady and a pushover. She didn't collect a deposit or last month's rent when they signed the lease. She didn't go after a missed month's payment. She didn't charge late fees. She conditioned them into irresponsible tenants.

Their lease ends on February 1st. Because it's so soon, I'm not worried about the fact I smelled weed in the unit despite the *ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING* in bold print on the lease. I'm not worried about the past due rent that is now my responsibility. All I'm asking for is this month's rent plus the late fee (even though I gave then a 4 day extension due to the circumstances).

I called them today (as previously discussed) asking if they were available to pay rent (which they said they would be) and it turns out, in his words, that since he didn't sign a contract with /me/, he's going to have his mother (who is also on the lease) to call me tomorrow. It was pretty sassy and rude, so I said okay and wished him a good evening. 

I have his mother's number, so if she doesn't call, I'll call her. I have the lease assignment to prove they are obligated to pay me instead of the previous landlord. 

My question here is what do I do if they refuse to pay rent plus the late fee? What if they don't leave on the first when their lease ends? What should I say on the phone to his mother? How would you handle this? 

Note, I'm a 23 year old female, so I feel that may hinder my ability to come off as a serious professional and landlord. 

Any advice is appreciated. 

[Max T.]

You should hire a lawyer or professional property manager to start the eviction process and be prepared to carry it out.