Renters that found another place. Using medical excuse

[Mike Eisenhut]

Hello,

First off, I just want to thank everyone here. You guys have been great at answering questions. I feel bad not really being able to contribute much back.

I do have another question I hope you guys can help me with...

Last June we had 3 renters sign a lease. It was a husband/wife and brother. The husband and wife on disability and the brother who works. However, also receives assistance for some mental issues.

We knew this couple for a few years before they rented the place. They always kept their place spotless and from what we could see never really any issues. Very happy, friendly, family. When they heard we wanted to rent one of our houses. They wanted to move in. We told them how much and they were excited and said no problem. We signed a one year lease with them.

Well now all of a sudden they call up with this crazy idea they signed a month to month lease and they can leave anytime. They found another place they liked and wanted to mouth out end of the month. We sent them a copy of the lease, certified letter / signature required.

We then get a call from them today saying they are going to get doctors excuses to let them leave and break the lease. Stating they can't use stairs and the house is not suitable for their conditions of declining physical health.

They still have about 3 months left on the lease. This will really put us in a bad spot of they can do such a thing.

I have looked the Ohio and local renters rights. I can't find anywhere in the laws where a tenant can just leave from a doctors recommendation.

Does anyone know if this can be used to break a lease?

We have calmly replied back that their decision will prematurely break the lease and we will have no choice but to handle the matter in small claims court. They said thats fine as their friend who works for the city gave them the advice of medical excuse and they know it will work per his advice.

Anyone else ran into this?

Thank you!

Mike

[Jon Holdman]

You should sell, then. Its not good to try to be in the landlord business if you're worried about having tenants in place to pay the mortgage. Vacancies, repair bills, legal fees, and lost rent are just part of the business. When you find yourself rationalizing keeping a bad tenant in order to pay the note, its time to exit the business.