Inherited Tennant moved out w/o notice - 2 weeks after closing

[Jason Papp]

So I bought a triplex recently, fully rented. I stopped today to check on the property and coordinate a utility inspection with one of the tenants. Looked in the window, unit is empty. Electric has been turned off.

Tenant’s lease was through April ‘20 under previous owners lease.

Can I seek lost rent? Is it worth my time?

Secondly, with the apartment abandoned and electric being off (assuming unpaid bill) can I legally change the locks immediately? Or do I need to post a notice of any sort?

Thanks for any input

[Account Closed]

Be happy people you didn’t vet are gone. Do you have any contact information for them?  If so give them a call, if they answer just confirm they have truly left and if they say yes ask if they would sign a release of the property back to you control. No harm no foul and move on. 

    If they don’t answer just ask them nicely the same thing via voicemail.  Or just text them. People respond better if they feel in control.  

     After that is done then change the locks as advised by your lawyer.  Or if they sign the letter then the property is all yours again. 

     I had something similar happen, about 4 months after I purchased. The tenant moved out overnight and dropped the keys off with the neighbor. Easy enough changed the locks, cleaned the property, updated it some and sent him a bill for almost 2,000 dollars.  It was legit charges, but I never saw a dime of it. And I didn’t expect to. But he sure didn’t come calling asking for his security deposit back.