Existing tenant wont sign new lease

[Brian Jasinski]

Purchased a condo at short sale.  Existing tenant is long term tenant.  Seller was a disaster, so do not have a ton of background info.  Their original lease expired and they were month to month with no security deposit when I bought it. 

After I closed I sent them a cover letter introducing myself, and a lease to sign for September 1st.  Now I am chasing them for the lease and the rent.  Was considering just serving 14 day notice to quit, but would it even apply if I do not have a lease in place with them?  Was also thinking of 30 day notice to quote to just get them out - can make a good amount more in rent per month if I update the place and paint it.

Any thoughts appreciated.......Thank you

[Brian Jasinski]

Thank you for the quick and thorough responses!

Years ago used to own several units in MA, and my Property Manager would hit them with a 14 day notice to quit at the first sign of late rent. 

I was not able to get a copy of the old lease - the Seller was awful.

Ill consult an attorney tomorrow, might be best to get the current tenant out and to start new.

Appreciate it,  Thank you