House broken into, Tenant wants to break lease...

[Kal Kazak]

Good afternoon everyone, 

I have a property that was broken into today according to my tenant.  She said the police were at the house.  This is a safe area and neighborhood as well.  I have not discussed the details of it yet with her, but she did say she didn't feel safe there any longer and insinuated that she wanted to break the lease via voicemail.  Keep in mind she wanted to break the lease a few months ago for different (nothing to stand on) reasons as well.  We need some advice on how to deal with this kind of situation.  I think she has about 3-4 months left on the lease.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

[Paul Ewing]

I am in the camp of I don't want someone in my place that does not want to live there.  At best they will just not care about routine maintenance and at worst they can do some major damage that can't be traced to them.  Where I am it is easy to get a new tenant in a week or so that wants to live in my property.   I would work for a clean break and make it a condition of her leaving early that she really cleans the place up well so it can be rented immediately.  Maybe get her to agree to a fee for professional carpet cleaning.  Maybe allow a few showings before she leaves if the place is in good shape.