The only tool we really have is come around the renewal period you could refuse to renew.

I do have the house under a purchase contract which expired few days ago and has to be renewed (which the loan officer suggested do it once the closing date is booked).

The tenants have just renewed their lease. 

If the tenant is not renewing, you want all your ducks in a row so you can minimize vacancy and refresh expenses. 

He took so long in the deal that the buyer chose not to renew the contract on one of them.

He took so long in the deal that the buyer chose not to renew the contract on one of them.

@James McCarthy,I'm not sure why you haven't moved out at lease renewal, but going to court isn't as scary or expensive as you thinkGoing to court involves a few steps to standardize your presentation and argument, but really it's nothing more than paying the filing fee and going in front of a neutral person to resolve a conflict.

I realize this thread is 3 years old but I’m hoping I can solicit some renewed or updated opinions based on the hot 2019 market we now live in. 

Is it a good idea to require a contract renewal right off the bat?

If your rentals are in a bad areas, this will be an ongoing property.If your properties are in better neighborhoods and you feel you can attract better quality tenants: Do not renew their lease and get better tenants in your units that will take care of them...No Hygiene Hobbits!