Help w/Inherited Tenant

[Jake Valkusky]

Hello,

We just purchased a property in Philadelphia and with that property we inherited a tenant that was in the unit.

The tenant that we inherited is refusing to pay rent and refusing to let us do repairs.

The inherited tenant did sign the new lease, but did not pay us.

Any recommendations on what we should do and is the lease valid?

[Paulette Midgette]

@Jake Valkusky, your lease is valid.  Even if you didn't have the tenant sign a term lease you would have a month-to-month lease with him/her.  So no matter which way to turn it over you are a landlord with a valid tenant. 

You are permitted to enter the unit with a 24 hour (in PA) notice of entry to make repairs to prevent further damage to the property and ensure the safety of the tenants.  This is regardless, of the tenants wishes.  There are two ways to get this tenant out.  Pay the tenant to leave (I don't think this is ever a good idea) or evict.

May I suggest two things to do before making your move.  Familiarize yourself with the landlord-tenants laws and regulations in Philadelphia (check the City of Philadelphia website). Secondly, look into joining an organization such as HAPCO.  They provide eviction services at nominal fees for members.