Trying to get an inherited tenant (94 yrs old) to sign new lease.

[Justine Scheuher]

I've inherited a 94 year old tenant who lives with her son and daughter (in their 70s-80s). I'm not quite sure what to do...they have been month to month. Only the 94yr old is on the current lease. Should I just keep it that way?

I tried to get everyone to sign a new lease (same price), but it got complicated...the OTHER (younger and healthier daughter who doesn't live there) said that the siblings that live with her mom don't have any income, hence why they won't sign the new lease. Rent is paid by the elderly womans social security check. 

But i want everyone living in the house to be on the lease right? That way if their mom passes away, they are responsible for paying rent..right? OR should have the the younger daughter (who doesn't live there) co-sign on the new lease? 

How do I find out what their plans are for when their mom passes away-----ex. who will pay rent? or when will they move out? who will clean out the place? etc. 

What did I just get myself into?! lol

[Nathan Gesner]

Every rule has a purpose, but rules can't cover every possible situation and you need to know when to flex.

I make everyone sign a written lease agreement...except for the ones that don't. An example would be the 86-year-old woman that lived in the unit for 22 years before I took over management. Why do I need a written agreement? Is there a risk of noise violations? Not paying rent on time? Sneaking in unauthorized pet or her best friend that needs a place to crash for a few months?

You've got to be reasonable. I can't even think of a reason for a written lease with someone that age. They'll live there until forced into a nursing home or carried out feet first. They won't violate any of your rules except by accident (failing to pay rent because they forgot) but she's too old to have a malicious bone in her body. The only thing you need is a good point of contact for emergencies and who can move her out after she passes.

Another rule I have: all maintenance requests must be submitted online through my Tenant portal or by filling out a form in my office. It's a hard rule and I never deviate...except for when I do. There are a few elderly people that don't have internet and I'm not going to force them to drive to my office to fill out a little form.

Rules are rules, but they should be reasonable, justifiable, and (rarely) bendable.