My first rental. Do I start a new lease with existing tenant?

[Ehab Beshay]

Hi Everyone,

I got my first rental and there is an existing tenant in place.  The tenant's current lease with previous owner is supposed to end August this year (in 5 months).  I'm I supposed to start a new lease or assume existing?  If I keep existing lease, what else do I need to have/do.  I appreciate your input.

[Russ M.]

You need to check your state landlord tenant laws and abide with them.  It varies from state to state.  The question that I'm sure many people are dying to ask is how could you not know the answer to this sort of question before putting any money on the line?  Didnt you at least want to know what you were getting yourself into?