Renter Want To Leave Before The Term!

Hi I am first time landlord, please help me out:

I rented my townhome in Park City UT to a couple with 2 kids from May 1,04 to April30, 05, but now they want to leave Oct31, 04, they did give me 60 days notice, but they break the lease - what should I do? should I keep the security money because I have to find someone else to rerent out?

Comments(2)

  • SavvyYoungster16th September, 2004

    Do you have an early buyout for the lease contract? Or do you list penalties for breaking the contract?

    What is the total contract worth? The tenants may not understand that they owe you that money whether or not they live in your rental, so they might as well stay to the end of the year. If they still want to move, tell them that if they agree to pay the rent until you find a new tenant you won't sue them for the rest of the agreement. If they balk, take them to court for the full amount and garnish their wages.

    Remember, you are just asking them to hold up their end of the contract. This isn't Wal-Mart, you can't just "return" the house when you don't want it anymore. It's their poor decisions and that should cost THEM money not YOU.
    [addsig]

  • vkdba16th September, 2004

    Thanks for your quick responce, there are detail info:
    1) the rent amount is $1800/mo.
    2) under abandonment. it says if the tenant abandons the premises, the landlord can hold the tenant liable for any difference between the rent that would have been payable under this lease.

    They have to move because they purchased a home.

    I am worried that if I told them to pay all the rent, they might get angry and damage my home and furniture. (I only have $2000 as deposit).

    Thanks again, Vicky

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