Regarding inherited renters....

[Peter Crabtree]

Good evening BP! A couple of quick questions if I may,

   I have bought an off-market duplex with inherited tenants. Basically a turn-key property. Here are my question...

1) When I went to introduce myself to the tenants, one of them was non-apologetically smoking inside. When I asked him if the previous property manager had told him smoking was not allowed inside, he repeatedly mentioned that smoking inside was not prohibited in his lease. As it turns out, he is right. The lease he signed does not say anything about smoking (freaking crazy. It prohibits "live" christmas trees buy does not address smoking!!!) I told him that I do not allow smoking inside in any of my properties, and asked to do it outside from now on. So, do I have any ground to stand on since he did not sign my lease? I don't want to kick them out if I can help it, but he is 2 months into a 12 month lease and I really don't want him smoking in my property for the next 10 months if I can prevent it.

2) The other side has an RV parked on the street outside. I have not pushed the issue yet as I just closed on two days ago and it has only been there a couple of days, but "word on the street" is that there is a guy and a pitbull living in it. I assume it is a relative of the tenants, but it is an eyesore as I would consider this a B class property and I want nothing to do with a possible vagrant and a pitbull. 

My questions: Since they did not sign my lease, what recourse do I have?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom you guys have for this newbie!

[Marcia Maynard]

@Peter Crabtree

Hi Peter!  I see you are new to Bigger Pockets. Welcome!

It will help you to know there are many forums available on a wide variety of subjects. You posted in the Renter's Discussion forum, which isn't the best fit. Many people erroneously post in the Renter's Discussion forum.

Renter's Discussion: "This is the forum for renters who are looking for advice in dealing with their landlord. Ask questions about dealing with landlords, leases, tenant rights and other important issues."

Under the Community Tab you will find Forum Categories and you can check them out to find the best forum for your questions. This question would do well in the Landlord Forum. Re-post it there and it would probably generate a good discussion. :-)