Been a landlord for a week, already having issues with a tenant. The tenant was informed by pervious owner his lease would not continue next month 30 days before March 1st. His year long lease expired in June of 2020 which was now on a month to month but nothing in writing. I called the tenant after closing to inform him his rent for Feb. would be due to me and he was upset I was not renewing the lease. I told him I'm sorry for not being able to give him more notice but we will not be continuing the lease. He then texted me today stating he has found a new place and will be moving out next week, mid month. As of now he has not paid Feb. rent, which is due today on the 5th.
On top of this I was originally told the utilities of gas and electricity were in the tenants name. But the tenant also text me photos of shut off notices. I called I have switched the utilities in my name since I do not want the heat to shut off. They informed me that pervious owner was paying utilities since last Oct. I am not sure how to continue and think I should get lawyer involved now. I do have this tenants security deposit. Any suggestions?