Getting a leased tenant to leave when buying property

[Michael King]

I am purchasing a multi. There is one trouble tenant I want to get rid of (covered all the smoke detectors and smokes inside) The problem is, they’re locked into a lease with almost an entire year left. We want to move into this unit ourselves. Is there a way we can get them out without them destroying the place? My thought is perhaps asking them to sign a tenant at will agreement that supersedes the lease. Then give them a months notice to vacate. Any thoughts? Thanks, Mike

[Sam Leon]

If you haven't purchased yet you could have the current owner do some of the work for you.

You could tell him you plan to move into that unit and making the unit's availability a precondition for the deal.  Ask him/her to offer the cash for keys - and if the tenant agrees then you will credit him the cash for keys amount at closing.  The current landlord may have better luck getting him out with cash since the tenant has no relationship with you.