Rental Property Investor · Manchester, NH · Member since 2017 · 9 posts · 1 vote
Hello,
I recently bought my first multifamily property and have made my first mistake already. I inherited tenants that I was planing on keeping because they seemed like good people. After giving them a lease to sign we agreed on, I was given the run around for a month. After unanswered texts and un-kept promises to get the signed lease to me-I put my foot down and gave them a deadline when I wanted it only to find out that they were buying a house and moving out the next month. They are currently in no lease and have no written obligations to me. I posted an add on craigslist and already have a lot of interest in the apartment. It doesn't look like I'm going to have any problems renting the unit out at the end of next month. I want to make sure I am covered in case the current tenants house falls through and they try staying. Is a 30 day notice to vacate the premise all that I need to serve them to cover myself? I was planning on sending them the notice electronically, in person and through certified mail. Am I missing anything and could anyone possibly point me in the direction of a good template to use? (I've come across several different versions online)
if they have no written lease, treat them the way you treat any existing tenant on a month to month lease. the fact that your lease is oral, makes no difference. most states the correct action is 30 days notice to vacate, before the rental cycle begins. that would mean if you want them out aug 31, you must deliver notice by july 31. send it certified.
Issue 30 day notice for possession. Give them 30 days or one full rental period notice, whichever is greater. You need to be able to prove they received the notice; the clock starts ticking when they receive it. If you can hand deliver it and have them sign it, that’s ideal. If not, consider having a sheriff deliver it (that’s what we have to do in Mass).
Please confirm with your state guidelines how you need to send the notice. I’ve heard in some states you need to send it via first class mail, and not certified. I don’t want you to trip up on a seemingly minor nuance.