Tenant At Will Leave Without 30 Day Notice

[Tom Smith]

Hello, I'm a first time home owner & landlord.  I bought a duplex that I owner occupy.

My tenant only gave me a 2 week notice.  I forgot to include a 30 day notice in the lease but I believe he is required to do so by law?  Am I allowed to invoice him for the month of June?  My new tenants have a move-in date of July 1st so the unit will be vacant all of June.

Also,  I did not collect a security deposit and there are some minor damage.  Can I invoice him for the cost?

[Ericka Parrott]

Originally posted by @Mike Hoefling:

@Tom Smith

Honestly, there is not much you can do if a tenant leaves early without giving you notice, while it sucks your time and energy is better spend trying to repair and re-rent ASAP. The process you would have to go through in order to collect would be exhasuting with the court system and it is many steps. Now, I would still send a notice to the tenant itemizing all the damages but it is highly unlikely the tenant will pay.

One of my last tenants in worcester shorted me on last months rent, it happnes move on and try to re-rent as soon as you can to keep money coming in.

This is my 2 cents.

Mike

 I would agree with Mike. Take pictures of the damage and send the tenant a notice of repairs due to the damage.  Email or mail the tenant every week or so for a period of time (couple of month) and then just move on.  This is just a lesson learned.

As a landlord you really have to operate as a business, even if you only have one unit. 

Before you consider anyone, have them fill out an application, use an online service, always get the social security and drivers license # from the tenant. Screen for criminal background, evictions, verify employment and income. (some people are sticklers on credit reports- but, be more concerned with their ability and history of paying).  Have a solid legal lease that gives you the most protection.  

I'm sure you'll have smooth sailing after this experience.