Murder at rental. What to do?

[Jon Whatts]

First time here on BP. A friend recommended I ask here.

My resident just lost a college aged child to a murder in the yard of one of the rental. Any advice from those who have gone through such a situation or know some who has as a landlord would be greatly appreciated.  Or maybe you know someone who was a resident and had this happen and could give advice as well.

Any advice on how, as a professional landlord, I can help out the resident? The residents and I have a great professional rapport. This a C neighborhood, a single family home, lease ends in May and resident has been there a few years if you are wondering.

I know if I were in the this resident's shoes I wouldn't want to live in the home any more due to the horrific memory. Knowing that's how I would feel, should I flat out ask If they want to move or give some time and see what the they want to do?   Should I just ask the resident, how do you feel about living in this home now?  And let the resident kind of answer the question without me asking whether they want to get out of there.  I really don't know.

I know there is a lot of questions above but feel free to share your thoughts because I really want to do the right thing for them in this dark time.

[Thomas S.]

Send your condolences and do nothing allowing the tenant to decide for them selves what they now want to do. Asking will only add pressure to their present situation. The tenant is an adult and can decide and let you know.