Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime

Let's keep in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter for timely insights and actionable tips on your real estate journey.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions
Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 7 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

45
Posts
13
Votes
John Pelaez
  • Kalamazoo, MI
13
Votes |
45
Posts

Tenants want to break lease

John Pelaez
  • Kalamazoo, MI
Posted

I have a duplex (side by side). Side A signed a lease for 1 yr that starts Sep 1. They are inherited tenants. They are a couple, that's dating. The guy notifies me that he doesn't like her anymore and is wanting to move because he cant stand her. He tells me that its ok for him to move as long as she pays the rent. I tell him that both of you are responsible for the rent since you both signed the lease. Rent has been paid on time as well as deposit. Is there anymore I should be concerned about? What are my steps if he bails and leaves her? Together they are able to pay rent, but separately, I doubt she would be able to. If I end up having to evict her for non-payment, how do I go after him?

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

196
Posts
130
Votes
Patrick Daniel
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Pensacola, FL
130
Votes |
196
Posts
Patrick Daniel
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Pensacola, FL
Replied

Follow the letter of the lease (Assuming that it is enforceable according to your jurisdiction). 

You cannot force the boyfriend to live there, but you can hold him accountable for the payments being on time as stipulated in the lease. 

I would tell them that there are to be no half-payments and that only the entire payment will be accepted when due. 

They were grown up enough to decide to move in together and sign a lease stating they would pay the rent, so they are grown up enough to figure out how the payment will be made now that they don't "like each other"anymore.

Loading replies...