Would you allow an early release from lease?

[Mark Forest]

A tenant has requested an early release from his lease with seven months left. They want to buy a house. I am finding it very difficult to rent two other houses now in the winter, so this will just be one more if we let them out in February or March. What would you all do?

[Aly W.]

I did this for tenants that wanted to buy a house, shortly after renewing the lease with us. They were excellent tenants and they asked first. They agreed to do all the showings and stay until literally the day before the new tenant moved in. They kept the unit spotless. It worked out very well.

We're currently working with another tenant who wants to move out of state 4 months before the lease ends. We agreed on the same terms - cooperate with showings, keep the place presentable, and stay or pay until the day before a new tenant moves in. Tenants with good intentions will be happy to work with you if you work with them.