Tenants want to move into another unit

[Sam Leon]

OK I have a two bedroom unit "2" where the current tenant is vacating in January 2019.

Susan who lives in unit 4 found out about it.  Joy in unit 1 also found out from Susan.  Both Joy and Susan lives in a one bedroom unit.  They are paying $1200 each and on annual leases.

Now Susan called me and asked about being roommates with Joy, to move into the soon to be vacant two bedroom unit 2.  Unit 2 is going for $1500 a month.

Susan and Joy are pretty good tenants, have both been there 2+ years.

Normally I would gladly let them move.  However, this really puts a strain on my time.  Instead of finding one new tenant for unit 2 and turning over that unit, now I have to turn over unit 2, and as soon as Susan and Joy move in, I have to turn over units 1 and 4, and find two new tenants in January.  So all together I have three units to be turned over.  Time + Money.

Thoughts?

[Nathan Gesner]

1. They can't put you in a financial pickle for their benefit. Moving them in would create two vacancies and cost you $2,400 a month. Tell them they will remain responsible for their current lease until a replacement tenant is found.

2. Make them both apply, just like you would any other applicant. They could have major changes in employment, credit, or other factors since you originally screened them. Maybe they want the cheaper unit because things are going poorly for them at work?

3. DO NOT transfer their existing deposit. They will need to put a new deposit down on the new unit, just like any other renter. Their current deposit remains in place until they are out and you have inspected the unit to determine any damages, cleaning, etc.

The short version: enforce their current lease and treat them like any other applicant for the new unit.