How can I get tenants out of an inherited property?
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How can I get tenants out of an inherited property?
I believe my husband is going to rent a home he owns to someone for very little money. He is doing this to hurt me as he has filed for divorce but is very ill. If he dies before the divorce is final and I inherit the house can I break the lease and get the tenants out. I want to sell the house I don’t want to live in it.
Asked on May 24, 2012 under Real Estate Law, New York
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
No, you can't break the lease if you inherit the home; you inherit it subject to any/all leases, contracts, liens, encumberances, loans, mortages, etc. affecting it. So in this case, you inherit the tenants, so to speak. Nothing will force you to renew the lease when it is up, however; and you can sell it even though there are tenants with in-force leases (buyers purchase it subject to the leases; may affect the price you can get, if the leases are disadvantageous, but you absolutely have the right to sell).
Note that if the home looks like it would be a net economic loss or drain to you (e.g. it is underwater on its mortage; leases do not cover monthly operating cost), you could elect to disclam the inheritance and not take the home.
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