Property Vacated - Landlord Forum thread

Property Vacated by Sean (PA) on June 25, 2012 @15:44

My tenant vacated the property before the lease ends without my permission. But he still continues to pay the monthly rent.

Does this constitute as breaking the lease as he has moved out of the property before the end date?

I would like to not keep the property vacant (for security purposes and utilities etc) and would like trigger a lease-cancellation and try to rent it to someone else.

[ Reply ] [ Return to forum ]

Re: Property Vacated by The Dude (MN) on June 25, 2012 @15:47	[ Reply ]

Wait... so he's still paying you, but you want to trigger a lease-cancellation? I can see your reasoning sort of, but if he's still paying, why press it? First off, how do you know for sure it's vacated? How long has it been vacated approximately? What shape is it in? How many months are left on his lease? You did leave out quite a bit of information that would've been helpful to help you out.

Re: Property Vacated by Jake on June 25, 2012 @16:11	[ Reply ]

Just pretend they are on vacation and out of town.

Re: Property Vacated

Re: Property Vacated by Nicole (PA) on June 25, 2012 @16:48	[ Reply ]

Again,I'm SO confused. Why in the world don't you call the guy up and talk to him ??? Perhaps he'd be thrilled if you could rent it to someone else and he could stop paying you for something he's not using. Maybe something is going on that you know nothing about. I'm not entirely certain you can "kick him out" and still collect rent through the end of the lease period if you don't rerent it so be careful what you wish for.

Re: Property Vacated by Eloise on June 25, 2012 @17:59	[ Reply ]

I agree with what everyone here said! The only other thing is to make sure the electricity and water are still on and make sure he has the A/C's fan running so this does not cause a fire hazard and keeps the moisture away from the inside {I had a friend rent a house who's A/C was shut off for a few months by the old tenant and the moisture got to the walls and warped all the walls!} so, be careful with that. Give him a call! {and not to be ugly, but make sure he's not running a meth lab in there!} you should go make an inspection. You never know.

Re: Property Vacated by Douglas (KS) on June 25, 2012 @18:00	[ Reply ]

He did not break the lease if he is paying the rent. Unless he is doing something wrong, it is almost none of your business. People vacation, travel, are away on business, etc. That is part of being a landlord. If you do not have a clause in the lease that tenant must notify you when away X days, then you have little to stand on. Also, your lease should be worded that tenant is responsible for vandalism. If worried, then go in and turn on 1+ lights.

Re: Property Vacated by Micah on June 25, 2012 @19:28	[ Reply ]

If it bothers you then you can approach them via letter and ask them if they want you to try and find someone to take over the rental for them. Once a new person moves in they would not be liable for the rent any more. No harm, no foul. Of course they would need to sign a lease termination agreement before the new people come in, and I would get a waiver from them to show the apt whenever you want to.