Inheriting Existing Tenants
Hi all, I am looking to put in an offer on a multifamily unit (two units in the main house + coach house) in Barrie, ON with existing tenants occupying all three units. During our initial property showing we were able to meet the tenants of units 1 and 2. They were all welcoming and very pleasant. They were happy to even show us around, pointing out what they liked and didn't like about their current living situation. Tenants in units 1 and 2 have been living there 3 and 1 years, respectively with no plans wanting to relocate. Everyone gets along with each other which was great to hear, and the selling agent expressed that all tenants are responsible, pay in full and on time consistently. In terms of the financials, rents in Unit 1 is certainly below market value for a 3-bedroom, Unit 2 (2-bed, 1 bath) is slightly below market rent, and Unit 3 (2-bed, 1 bath coach house) is right around market rent. All utilities are currently paid for by the existing owner. Using the existing rent figures and assuming we will continue to pay for utilities, the deal still pencils out (around 6.5 cap), so we are not at all concerned about maximizing rents in units 1 and 2, especially if we have good tenants in there already. However, before closing (or perhaps before even making our initial offer) we want proof of deposits showing the tenants actually do adequately pay rent. My question is: From your experience, is there anything else I should request or do before acquiring existing tenants? Anything to look out for? Can/should we screen them as if they were new tenants? Again, they do seem pleasant so we would love to keep them on, but we want to do as much as we practically can to be comfortable with the decision. Any insight at all is appreciated, as this would be my first real estate investment.