You've just inherited your parents' rental property, only to discover that someone is living in it—and they have a lease. Or perhaps you've inherited the family home and found out your sibling has been renting it out for the past few years. Now you're wondering: what are your rights? What are the tenants' rights? Can you ask them to leave so you can sell? Do you have to honor the lease?

Inheriting tenant-occupied property adds a significant layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. You're suddenly a landlord, whether you want to be or not. You have legal obligations to these tenants, but you also have your own goals for the property—and those might not include being in the rental business.

This guide explains your rights and options when inheriting property with tenants, from understanding lease obligations to navigating the sale process. Whether you want to keep the rental income, move the tenants out, or sell with them in place, you'll understand the path forward.

By Arie Kopman - Probate Property Advocate

There are few moments in life more disorienting than losing someone you love — and then realizing you’re responsible for everything they left behind.

For many families, that includes a home.

Suddenly, words like probate, estate administration, and court filings appear in conversations that feel overwhelming at best and impossible at worst. You may not even be thinking about selling yet. You may simply be trying to get through the day.

If that’s where you are, you’re not alone.

by Arie Kopman - Probate Property Advocate

Selling an inherited property is rarely straightforward. Between navigating the legal requirements of probate, managing family dynamics, and making sound financial decisions, there are plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong. The good news? Most mistakes are completely avoidable when you know what to watch out for.

After years of helping families through probate property sales, we've seen these five mistakes come up again and again. Here's what to avoid—and how to handle each situation the right way.

A Cost-Benefit Guide for Inherited Properties

by Arie Kopman - Probate Property Advocate

When you inherit a house that needs work, one of the biggest questions you'll face is whether to invest in repairs before selling. It's a decision with significant financial implications, and the right answer isn't always obvious.

Should you spend $20,000 on updates to potentially increase the sale price by $35,000? Or will you only recoup $15,000 of that investment, making it smarter to sell as-is? What if you don't have cash on hand for repairs—does it make sense to borrow against the estate?

This guide will help you think through the repair-or-sell-as-is decision strategically, understand which repairs typically provide the best return on investment, and recognize when a cash sale makes the most financial sense.

By Arie Kopman - Probate Property Advocate

There's nothing that quite prepares you for the task of sorting through a loved one's belongings after they've passed. Every drawer opened, every closet explored, every box discovered brings a mixture of memories, emotions, and decisions that can feel overwhelming—especially when you're still grieving.

An estate cleanout is both a practical necessity and an emotional journey. You're not just clearing a house; you're saying goodbye to a lifetime of collected memories, honoring the person who lived there, and making countless decisions about what stays and what goes.

This guide is here to help you navigate this difficult process with compassion, practical advice, and reassurance that what you're feeling is normal. Whether you're handling this yourself or considering professional help, you'll find guidance for moving through this chapter with care and intention.

By Arie Kopman - Probate Property Advocate

Inheriting property alongside siblings can transform an already emotional time into a minefield of potential conflict. You're grieving the loss of a parent or loved one while simultaneously making significant financial decisions with people who share your history, your childhood, and often very different perspectives on what should happen next.

One sibling wants to keep the family home. Another needs their inheritance immediately. A third thinks you should renovate before selling. Someone else wants to accept the first offer that comes in. And beneath all these practical disagreements lie decades of family dynamics, old resentments, and the weight of saying goodbye to the place where you grew up.

The good news? With clear communication, fair processes, and sometimes a neutral third party, most sibling disputes over inherited property can be resolved without destroying relationships or ending up in court. This guide will help you navigate these difficult conversations and reach decisions everyone can live with.

By Arie Kopman – Probate Property Advocate

You've inherited your parents' house in Ohio, but you live in California. Or the family home is in Maryland while you've built your life in Washington. You're facing the complex task of settling an estate and selling a property from hundreds or thousands of miles away—while juggling your job, your family, and your grief.

Long-distance estate management presents unique challenges that local heirs don't face. You can't just drive over to check on the property, meet contractors in person, or attend showings. Every decision requires coordination across time zones. Every task involves trusting someone else to handle details you can't see yourself.

The good news? Technology and professional services have made managing inherited property from a distance more feasible than ever. While it requires careful planning and the right team, you can successfully handle a long-distance estate sale without constant travel or losing your sanity. This guide shows you how.