Found out new tenant has criminal charges pending

[Benjamin Richards]

So this is great. I just accepted a family in our condo with great income and credit. Credit and background checks passed. But now my wife found stories in the news that the guy is facing felony charges surrounding his use of computers to solicit sexual contact with a minor. I confirmed with our County Superior Court that the court proceedings will start in August.

But they have not moved in yet. The move-in date was July 1, so I still have runway to find a new tenant. But I have their security deposit, first month's rent, and a signed lease agreement already. Can I just send it back? Do I need a lawyer to break the lease agreement?

[Andrew S.]

Originally posted by @Dennis M.:

@Benjamin Richards

I see this all the time on here on how these software systems that are supposed to screen this stuff miss it altogether. I for one would not want a pervert in my building . I’d rather have a crackhead than some sicko kid toucher . I’d find a way to get out of this one way or another

Dude, whatever happened to "innocent until proven guilty"?  You are ready to kick this guy and his whole family to the curb before he's had a chance to tell his side of the story in a court of law.  The OP has a valid contract - his lawyer advised him that it is a valid contract.  I suppose he could offer cash for keys, but otherwise, why not wait and see what happens.  If he is innocent, he deserves to live there and if he does get convicted, chances are he will live "off-site" for a good while anyhow, so, either way, he won't likely be a problem.