A murder scene was my gut reaction.

It may pass scrutiny but it would still be ordinary income subject to SE tax.. which I THINK is what the OP was trying to avoid by proposing the master lease idea :)I definitely have an allergic reaction to FICA/SS/MCARE taxes, especially on a deal within the family.

In many cases, this can be done as an explicit reaction to the discharge, it is state dependent though.

For every action, there is a reaction.

If your tenant has his heart set on living there long term, the prospect of a new landlord, an unknown quantity at this point, might trigger a similar reaction.

You may negotiate.So the bigger question is your reaction as a host.

This was my guy reaction.

My initial reaction was to get the bill to the tenant as soon as I receive a copy, but offer to accept payment anytime between now and when rent is due again (the 5th).  

I can just merely speculate as to the chemistry involved, redox reaction, improper grounding and yes, there are plenty of homes with copper lines that do not have this issue.

Emily; You should not even have to ask this question, if this is indeed on the level I'd say your reaction is pretty cold and uncaring; but you probably don't care about that opinion either.