What to do?!? Renters owe back rent on newly purchased property

[Jesse Greider]

Hey everyone,

I currently put an offer in for a duplex and it was accepted. One side is vacant, the other has tenants. I have not put a deposit down yet. It all just happened today. It has just come to light that the current owner did not tell us the tenants are behind on rent. I am new to this and wondering what the right way to go about this is. We are waiting to hear bacl how much they owe... etc. They said they could start the eviction if needed. Are there alternatives? Would this push anyone away from following through on the property?

Thanks,

Jesse