I’m confused, what should I do ?!?

I’m confused, what should I do ?!?

Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2017 · 321 posts · 157 votes

Hi to all ! I have a question. I received a long text message from a great tenant that occupied 1 of my units. I’m kinda confused on how I should proceed. I’m trying to see this from a humanitarian standpoint but I know this is business. We have a standard lease in place already & if you break it you lose your security deposit plus you’ll have to pay 1 months rent prior to move out. What do you guys think ?


”Good Afternoon !
I am contacting you to respectfully ask to break my lease and move from the resident by the end of the month. We had a tragic event happen over the past week and a half. My daughter who we just helped to move to Mooresville on March 8th fainted while on the phone with my oldest daughter who also lives in Mooresville. Once my oldest daughter got there, she found her sister unresponsive and called 911. She was in the home with her 2 toddlers. This happened last week on Tuesday. My daughter was diagnosed with Grade 4 brain cancer. She was taken by to Duke Medical and had surgery yesterday where the doctor said that they were going to remove the tumor and as much of the cancer as possible and then give Chemo and radiation once it’s determined if all or most of cancer was removed. As of today, she’s still not fully alert or exhibiting function or mobility. I was told by medical staff that she is going to need care once she is discharged. We are not sure when that will be. I am taking care of her children right now. I need to move into her residence with her to take care of her and her children. I know this is short notice and unexpected. I am currently waiting to speak with her doctors. I can call later this evening to discuss what I need to do. Thank you for your consideration and understanding.

Vicky”

0Reply
26 views

Most Popular Reply

Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 5k+ votes
1y

I run mine as a business, but I'm also not a monster.

Assuming this is true (and you can ask for some proof), I take the hit and let the tenant out of the lease without penalty. It's a horrifying situation that she is dealing with. Even though I'm not responsible for any of this, I take the relatively small hit and file it under cost of doing business. The fact that she was a great tenant just reinforces that this is how I'd do it. 

See this reply in the discussion

5 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Tim DelaneyPro Member
    Buffalo, NY · Member since 2018 · 790 posts · 530 votes
    1y

    I almost always let good tenants out of the lease early. If they ask in the winter months I strongly encourage them to wait till March at least, or maybe ask them to pay one or two extra months rent. But I usually won’t even hold them to that. Personally I’d rather deal with a turnover than an unhappy or angry tenant.

  • Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    1y

    I run mine as a business, but I'm also not a monster.

    Assuming this is true (and you can ask for some proof), I take the hit and let the tenant out of the lease without penalty. It's a horrifying situation that she is dealing with. Even though I'm not responsible for any of this, I take the relatively small hit and file it under cost of doing business. The fact that she was a great tenant just reinforces that this is how I'd do it. 

  • MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    I would also let them break the lease. It is the decent thing to do especially for what was a good tenant. 

  • Michele FischerPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Seattle, WA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    I agree with the advice you are getting.

    I would tell them they are responsible for rent until you can get it rerented and I would work hard to get it rerented quickly.  If they leave it in good condition you could wait to refund that until it is rerented then prorate a discount.  Follow the local laws on documenting the security deposit timely though.

    You are in a better position than them to take the financial loss and the good karma will come back to you.

  • Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2017 · 321 posts · 157 votes
    1y

    Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

    We spoke with the tenant. I’ve mentioned it’s okay to break the lease due to the unforeseen circumstances and she wouldn’t have to worry about court proceedings etc. She also agreed to be okay with forfeiting her security deposit and pay 1 months rent for landlord damages.

    All it took was a simple conversation and it was smooth and easy. She kept apologizing because the move out is so short notice. She expected to move out in 2 weeks but I told her no worries and she all set to break the lease and move.

    @Michele Fischer @Greg M. @Tim Delaney

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.