At the same time, I am worried that “free” utilities will mean the heat is kept at a tropical level or they’ll make a ice rink in the back.

Their plan is to move out now and repay the missing funds after they receive a settlement from a slip-and-fall they had after the HOA didn't properly maintain the parking lot which turned into an ice rink last January.I'm trying not to gouge anyone going through a REALLY rough time, but what is the process for collecting the back rent from Mom & Dad and/or The Daughter?

@Eric Patrick OdenThanks for the tip, though appreciation is just the icing on the cake, right?

Of course there is snow and ice which can be a liability for a landlord.

What are some tips and advice to "break the ice" for someone becoming the new owner in taking over a property with tenants already in place?

The icing on the cake would be divided living quarters between myself and other renters (i.e. in-law suite or second living space within the home). 

And the icing on the cake, I work at a coal-fired power plant and will be out of a job in 4 years due to the shutdown.

But when you start trying to define relationships you walk on thin ice.

Too bad, they used to be the cream of the crop, but have since sold their souls. 

I guess if the assistant was there to just break the ice and tell the decision maker they will be contacted by you shortly, that is another story.