Buying house tenant moved without notice

[Rory M.]

I’m closing on a duplex this week that was tenant occupied. The current tenants moved out without giving the 30 day notice as required by their lease and the current landlord was unaware that they moved out. I anticipated having at least two months rent given the 30 day notice and when they could give notice the earliest (mid month).

My thought was to ask for a credit from the landlord since he didn’t honor his lease agreement. As well as he didn’t do a walk through before they moved in so I would loose the security deposit completely. Also do I need to track down the old tenants to get them to sign something saying they are termination the lease effective immediately or should I pass that onto the current landlord? Any advise is greatly appreciated!

[Kyle J.]

If the tenants moved out without giving notice, and the previous landlord was unaware as you said, I’m curious why you say this landlord “didn’t honor his lease agreement” and you’re considering asking for a credit from him? He’s not the one that breached the lease. The tenants are. It happens. Be glad that now you get to screen and select your own tenants.