Inherited tenants won't sign new lease

[Ian Linayao]

All thanks in advance for anyone who replie! Very new to this as this is my first rental and the communities expertise is greatly appreciated!

Just bought property in South Lake Tahoe and decided to let the previous owners (Father-in-law / wife)  live in the home. In order to protect ourselves we wanted to place a rental agreement, even though they are family members, we believe this is the best practice to let business be business when it comes towards the property.  The wife isn't the best communicator and refuses to sign the rental agreement. So my question is what is the best course of action: 1) Give notice to vacate after X days if the rental agreement isn't signed? 2) Continue to rent if they are paying consistently?   

[David K.]

Yuck.

This is your wife's father, and his wife? What does that mean, "isn't the best communicator." Is she hostile, or just doesn't speak the language?

If they won't sign the new lease then the correct answer is them leaving, which will surely be explosive, but you knew that already.

Doing business with family is a lot like throwing yourself out of a moving car that you're driving. If you're happy collecting rent as is, that's fine, but doesn't leave you much protection should they decide something else is more important. Good luck!