How long after Lease is up?

Question

How long do tenants legally have to stay in the home once the lease is finished?  Also do you have to give written notice to tenants that you will not renew the lease?

Thanks

Johnny S. · Answer

Very Helpful, Thank you.
Joey

Richard F. · Answer

As always, check your local laws.

Then, READ the lease (you DO have a written lease right?) it should address what happens when the initial term ends. If you actually have a fixed term lease, it ends on the date specified, and the document (or local law) should spell out whether any further notification is required.

If it states that it automatically reverts to a month-to-month or a renewal period equal to the original, then again local law will dictate what you need to do.

In either event, once you have given the proper notice, or in the case of a fixed term lease where no further notice is required, local law should also spell out what it will cost your "Holdover" tenant if they are not out on the date specified. In my experience, this is TWICE the stated periodic rent.

As flipper101 said, usually you will give a written notice prior to the expiration anyway, and you should be in communication with them scheduling a move-out inspection. I even do a pre-move-out inspection just to get an idea of what work will be needed, and to review the move-out requirements such as needing receipt for Professional carpet cleaning, all trash removed from the PROPERTY (not left at curb) and I ensure they are aware of the Holdover rate and that there will be a charge for my time if I show up at the move-out and they are not ready.

It is a good idea to review all leases for their end date, and schedule an inspection of the property about 60 days ahead of that so you can determine IF you want to renew them, and at what rate. Once you determine this, send them a renewal (or termination) letter 50 days ahead (assuming this meets local requirements), requesting them to sign and return to you no later than 30 days prior to the end date. If they are inherited tenants, this is your golden opportunity to have them complete a new application, and sign your preferred lease documents.

Frank Adams · Answer

Short simple answer to the first question always seems like it should be, NO. But in many (most) states "common lawy" or civil code probably requires the landlord to either "renew" or notify tenant of "non-renewal" at least 30 days prior to the end of the lease.

In any case any "on the job" landlord should be keeping in touch with the tenants to determine their intentions and either extend or give notice of non-intent to renew.

all cash