Request to remove someone's name from a lease agreement

[Nikky Jarvis]

I received an email from my tenant as follows: "I am writing to formally ask that my lease be redrawn to exclude partner. I would be the sole lease holder and will continue the lease throughout its agreed upon term."                                                                                                                       The lease was signed in July 2025 for one year by a couple. I have not been contacted by the other party. How do I respond to this request given that the lease will not end until August 2026.

[Mackaylee Beach]

It’s crucial to approach this request with care, taking into account both legal and personal factors.

• Review the Current Lease Agreement: Start by examining the existing lease to understand the implications of such a change.
• Contact the Other Party: Inform the tenant that you will need to reach out to the other party for their consent or to discuss the situation.
• Assess Tenant Qualifications: I strongly recommend revisiting your current screening process to ensure that the tenant wishing to remain meets your criteria and income requirements.

This approach allows for a thoughtful response while upholding the legal rights and obligations of all parties involved.