arrgh, first deal and tenant issues, ideas?

[Pennie Heath]

We have a contract on a house here locally and have yet to see the inside due to tenant in place.  Agreed to walk through today at 4 and we got there, no realtor or property management person and the tenant was home and wouldn't come to the door.  Call to their agent and she said tenant said it 'wasn't a good time,' but they had given her 36 hours notice.  Also our agent discovered that the tenant has changed the locks.  We are contingent on inspection but this tenant isn't cooperating at all.  Their agent said tenant agreed to 3 pm. tomorrow but we both left work early today and she could do the same thing tomorrow.  Does the mgmt property have any recourse to make them cooperate?  Thanks for any response.

[Nicole A.]

Check local rental laws, but many areas just require a 24 hour (or maybe more) notice of entry. This is not asking permission. This is giving notice that entry will happen. However, since they changed the locks, this makes things more difficult.

If they really want to sell, they need to get you entry tomorrow or you be ready to walk. OR, you negotiate the price lower since you're essentially buying site unseen. Obviously, you'll be getting a bad tenant. Are they month-to-month so you can (more) quickly get rid of them? Are you sure you want this for your first deal?