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

[Kevin Sobilo]

I would have inquired about the existing tenant as part of negotiations.

Technically the back rent is owed to the current owner not you. So, I think the issue is still whether you wish to retain this tenant or not. If the tenant's lease can be terminated with the sale of a property, I would use that as a reason to have the tenant fill out my own application and make a fresh decision about them just like any other applicant.  If their lease cannot be terminated then I would consider asking the current owner to evict based on nonpayment.

Congrats on the deal though! This is one tenant, expect that things like this will happen sometimes. It isn't a reason to back out. Just a normal issue that you'll have to deal with from time to time.