Question? - Landlord Forum thread 331599

Question? by Jana on March 2, 2015 @09:42

We have a military family that signed a 2 year lease 4 months ago, but informed us a week ago that they are closing on a house (in a nearby neighborhood) in 2 weeks. What rights do we have as their landlord?

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Re: Question? by Anonymous on March 2, 2015 @10:17	[ Reply ]

The are on the hook for all of the rent for the remaining term of the lease. You however have an obligation to mitigate the damages by working to get it rented in a timely fashion. Essentially they are required to pay the rent until you get it re-rented. I would try to work out a agreement that they pay for x-number of months rent and call it good. Most likely what will happen is they will not agree to that, move out not pay and you can go after them in court for the rent owed. be prepared to show proof that you are in the process of finding new renters. I had a renter get a job transfer and her company paid for 3 months of rent after she moved out. They paid it as one lump sum when she moved out and the agreement was whether or not I got it rented in 3 months I kept the money, but could not go after her or the company if I could not get it rented after 3Mo. I managed to find a renter within 2 weeks and got double rent for those months.

Re: Question? by Anonymous on March 2, 2015 @10:31	[ Reply ]

Their status as a military family has no bearing on their obligation under these circumstances. The only time that comes into the picture is if they receive orders deploying them to a new station more than X miles from their current home.

Re: Question? by Katiekate (New York) on March 2, 2015 @10:49	[ Reply ]

Try to work out a payment with them. I have worked a deal with tenants that were moving early so that they paid 2 months rent and signed a release. If they will not pay you...then I recommend you contact his CO. The base commander, etc. The military takes a very dim view of their personnel trying to duck out on their obligations...and will act to correct it.

Re: Question? by Anonymous on March 2, 2015 @11:15	[ Reply ]

What does your lease say about breaking the lease early?

Re: Question? by Wilford on March 2, 2015 @11:51	[ Reply ]

Most landlords will not issue a two year lease because they so often broken. But to know what your rights are you would need to read your lease. Post a pay or quit notice the first moment the rent is not paid. Then take this family to court. You must move swiftly and get the papers served before they move. If this is not possible, make sure you get a good forwarding address. Does your state allow you to retain the deposit to apply against delinquent rent?

Re: Question? by Anonymous on March 2, 2015 @12:32	[ Reply ]

Sounds like they were screwing around the whole time. Post a pay or quit and get ready to have a legal battle on your hands. Sue them for property damage too because they won't be writing you no checks anytime soon.

Re: Question?

Re: Question? by Anonymous on March 2, 2015 @21:53	[ Reply ]

You have legal rights under your state law and the tenants have legal rights under the state law. I don't really believe this story. I bet there is more to it. Please give us the juicy details.