To those inheriting tenants, don't make this rookie mistake!

[Elenis Camargo]

Hi BP! I wanted to share my rookie mistake. We have purchased two SFH with inherited tenants. The first was in February and the second this past month. While we were closing on the second rental, we did a new lease for the first rental and know that lease inside and out. Upon inheriting the second tenant, she called and let me know that there was a roach and mice problem in the house. I told her I would take care of that right away. I also told her we would be maintaining the lawn. I got a feeling to check the lease after telling her these things and found that the lease she signed says she is responsible for lawn and for pest control! That's a savings of $120 per month!! So I had to go back and explain this to the tenant. Definitely a learning experience. Don't assume all leases are the same in terms of what the tenants are responsible for! Read them fully before answering any questions on them. Hope this helps someone :)