What to do when Leasee couples break up & want to alter the lease

Question

What do others do?I let both parties on the lease know I am happy to amend the lease to remove one of them, but they will both need to sign it to release one party from the lease.

Anyone else dealt with this before successfully?

James Montague · Answer

Thanks, all!

I ended up just letting them know I am happy to send them an amended lease, and will gladly remove one of them if they would like but they both have to sign.

Suddenly all is well and nevermind.

Always fun :)

Kyle J. · Answer

@James Montague  I wouldn't amend it.  If one wants to move out fine, but both their names are going to remain on the lease - and they'll both be responsible for paying for the rent like they agreed to be - until the term of the lease is up.

Besides, what are you going to do if/when they make up and get back together?  (Happens all the time.)  Amend it yet again and add the other person back on?  Way too much work.

Just leave it as is until the lease is up.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

Three options.

I have had the leaving person replace themselves with a fully qualified person.

The remaining person or people take over the whole lease.

Everybody leaves.

There seems to be a shortage of decent rentals in my area and I always rent for more on turnover; everybody wins!

Greg Scott · Answer

It is important that the remaining party qualify for the lease, particularly the income requirements.  Otherwise, you are likely to have delinquency.

I'd also only do this if I am getting something for it, even if it is small.  For example, I might change the lease-end date to a more favorable month for me, or if I've updated my terms there is benefit for having a new lease.  Otherwise you are making it less-likely you will collect rent for no corresponding benefit to your business.  You would be better off NOT updating the lease.