Tenants broke up and one wants off the lease. Forms? (MA)

[Kelsey G.]

My tenants have broken up and both agreed the boyfriend will move out. No domestic disputes or anything and should be clean and easy. I am completely fine with it - she lived there alone before and always paid on time, great tenant. How should I proceed with changing the lease? I read that someone would just have her sign a new lease, but I was hoping there was a form I can give them both to sign acknowledging his departure and therefore removing him from responsibilities. Can you please let me know what you think the best course of action would be?

[John Teachout]

In this case I would have the tenant remaining sign a new lease with the remaining term of the original (unless they wanted a different length)

And then I would write a separate half page document cancelling the previous lease and have everyone one sign it.

This scenario is why I like all parties to qualify financially if there's unrelated people on a lease.