Tenant moving out with 9 months left on lease

[Richard Fish]

I just recently purchased a duplex that and I am moving in to the 1st floor and the 2nd floor unit was rented. The tenant had signed a 1 year lease until July 2021.

The tenant just called me last night and stated that he has to break the lease and will be moving out at the end of November. I do have his last months rent and security deposit but am I able to keep this? Does he owe me more than that?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[John Warren]

@Richard Fish I would consult with a local real estate attorney that specializes in land lord tenant law. My guess would be that you could keep the rent fairly easily, but in your shoes I normally try to work with the tenant to re lease the property right away. If I am able to release it then I return the portion of the deposit/rent that I can. I look at these situations as a chance to treat others the way I would want to be treated, while still being fair.