Would you renew this lease?

Question

I have a tenant who isn't a good tenant but not heinously bad. I have to badger her for the rent every month, but she does eventually pay. She moved her family member into the house. They smoke in the home (against the lease). They've added two dogs (against the lease). There's some damage to walls and at least one door.

Their lease is up at the end of January. Real estate is tight right now for both sales and rentals. I don't think it will be easy for them to find another place. With covid, I don't want to put people on the street but I'm honestly tired of dealing with these people and I worry about the condition of the house if I let them stay too long.

What would you do?

Kyle J. · Answer

@Adam Azam Not sure what your definition of a bad tenant is, but someone who doesn’t pay the rent on time, damages my property, and violates multiple terms of the lease is pretty much my exact definition. No way I would even consider renewing her lease.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I would have removed them a long, long time ago. These are terrible tenants that violate your lease, damage your property, and don't pay on time. It doesn't sound like there's a single redeeming quality about them.

Give them notice of non-renewal and demand they get out. Period.

Clean it up and rent it at market rate to quality renters.

Adam Azam · Answer

@John Underwood Thanks! I'd probably take this opportunity to change the terms of the lease. Increase the late fees or if late for 3x will result a 30 days notice to move.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

@Adam Azam Don't be a social worker; be a LL. You are not putting them out on the street they are doing that themselves by violating the lease, not paying rent on time, and deteriorating your property. Ask yourself why you let it go this far and why should you be approving and tolerating this kind of tenant. All the best!

John Underwood · Answer

Send them required notice that you are not renewing lease due to lease violations.

JM Payne · Answer

No, I would not renew, but you need to notify them NOW of your intention to not renew the lease, assuming it is not already too late.  I'm unclear on NY laws, but procrastination is not your friend here.  You're only making it more difficult on them the longer you wait, so send them notice concurrent with your lease and the local laws, then move on to planning the rehab and finding a good tenant.  Best of luck!

- jm

Would you renew this lease?

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