Tips on how to transition with inherited tenants

[Sharon Carter]

My husband and I are closing on a duplex in Everett, WA later this month and are inheriting tenants. With COVID, how is everyone introducing themselves to tenants? Set a meeting in person or just a letter or email? I have a written letter that will provide them with our contact info & our how they should pay rent but I would like to meet them.

We currently we own a triplex and a SFR rental, and self-manage them both. We placed our own tenants, they all know us personally and we have great relationships with them. This is our first-time inheriting tenants and have the impression that one of the tenants might be more challenging. We weren't able to tour their side of duplex prior to writing offer and I think they have a special-needs child so want to be respectful. Also, we have very strict COVID restrictions in WA state.

Any tips would be appreciated!

[Sherief Elbassuoni]

@Sharon Carter, congrats on the duplex.

I closed on a rental during Covid as well. I would start with the letter, and follow up with a phone call if you have their numbers from the seller of the duplex. 

You will also need to express that despite Covid, you are still interested in meeting them in person (while maintaining social distance, and wearing masks) and see what would be their reaction, then take it from there.