Tenant wants to break lease early- advice please! (CO)

[Sarah Damico]

Hi All,

Our tenants moved into our downstairs unit not even a month ago and just asked if they can bring in two cats. The lease clearly states no pets and we are pretty firm on this rule so we let them know that is not an option. I got a call today saying they want to move out and break the lease. What should my next steps be? Should I let them go and just keep their deposit? Is that an option? I was going to ask them to send me their termination notice and date they are leaving in writing or email and then was going to respond with "approved and will keep your security deposit."  Attaching the section of our least that covers termination notices. Would appreciate any advice at all! Thank you.

[Theresa Harris]

@Sarah Damico  Check your local law.  Generally speaking, they need to give written notice and 30 days.  They signed a 1 year lease, so they are on the hook for 1 year.  Having said that, let them out of the lease and start marketing it right away.  Tell them they need to pay for advertizing, make it available for showings (with proper notice) and they are responsible for the rent until you find a new tenant.  In exchange you will do your best to get it rented quickly and minimize disruptions with showings.  The faster you find new tenants, the happier everyone will be.

For your new lease, you may want to add an early termination clause if CO laws allow it.