tenants not moving when time - Landlord Forum thread

tenants not moving when time by Karri (IA) on June 13, 2012 @00:57

So say my tenants are supposed to be out 7/31 & I got house rented for 8/1. What if current tenants aren't out when they're supposed to be & new tenants have to move out of their place but can't move in my house? How do I handle this? What would my obligations to new tenants be?

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Re: tenants not moving when time by Bryan (Ia) on June 13, 2012 @06:48	[ Reply ]

That is why you should never turn over a unit that quickly. What if the the previous T doesn't clean? What if there damage you need to repair? In Iowa it takes about 3 weeks to evict, so you should always plan on a month between Ts. How should you handle this???? Carefully. What are your obligations???? What does your lease say? If nothing, legally you would be in breach of your lease and could be held liable for damages. How much??? Depends on the courts, but you could be held for all the costs of the new T until they find another place, hotel, storage of property, etc...... If you do not have the lease signed yet, don't. If you do or don't, I would be contacting the new T and discussing these possibilities before they become issues, work out some reasonable accommodation and put it in writing, signed by both parties. Maybe something like you only being responsible for prorating the rent....

Re: tenants not moving when time by Erica (NY) on June 13, 2012 @09:21	[ Reply ]

I am in the same boat. My tenants are vacation g my 700 sq feet 1 bedroom apartment on July 31st. My new tenant will move in on Aug 1st. I plan to do all cleaning and repairs (if any) on July 31st. I hope there arent many problems but the new tenant will get a set of keys on Aug 1. I will have to do repairs while the new Tenant is moving in.

Re: tenants not moving when time

Re: tenants not moving when time by Monica (Wa) on June 13, 2012 @11:50	[ Reply ]

You can not change what has been done ~ just learn from it for next time. Dont get so stressed you get an ulcer between now and July 31st. Maybe you could offer the current tenant a $ 100.00 bonus if they are out before 11 AM on the 31st and the rental is clean and undamaged. Tell them you have new renters moving in on the first. In the mean time relax as there really isnt anything you can do.

Re: tenants not moving when time by Emma on June 13, 2012 @12:22	[ Reply ]

I would offer the old tenants a prorated refund of rent on a couple of days if they leave early and have their obligations to clean, etc, completed at that time. Then you at least have a couple of days to deal with any issues. Make sure you are clear that they have to pay the whole month first, and if it works out you will refund a couple of days at the return of SD (unless it's not being returned, in which case you need those days for sure). 7/29 is a Sunday, so maybe they will have moved out by then.

Re: tenants not moving when time by Eloise on June 13, 2012 @12:30	[ Reply ]

I like Emma's idea, consider purchasing the LPA lease, although not convenient and not the way you should start business with a new tenant, it does have a clause that can help you with this situation. Mine reads something along the lines that in the event something out of your control happens, and you don't have the place ready for them on the date they wish to move in, then you have 15 days to remedy it without breaking the lease, after 15 days the lease is null and you have to refund all money collected from them. Just to give you a little piece of mind.