One Tenant Abandoned But Other Wants to Stay

[Ty Smith]

Hello. I have been a landlord for a few years now and am running into an issue I have not come across before. I did the appropriate screening (background check, credit check, confirming with employer that they work there, and prior landlord references) on both tenants. Everything came back with no problems or concerns so I rented to the two roommates. I received a call today from one of my tenants saying that his roommate left pretty much right after he paid his share of this month’s rent. The roommate who is still there has not seen him or heard from him since then. He tried calling and his number was blocked (due to what I assume was an argument). I also have tried calling the roommate who left and my number is also blocked. The current tenant would like to stay and he has been there for 2 years now. Very solid tenant who always pays rent on time so I do not want to evict and the current tenant says he is willing to pay the full amount of rent going forward until he can find a roommate again. The roommate who is in question has only been there for a few months.

So my question is how can I legally remove the abandoned roommate from the lease? If he does not pay his share of rent and doesn’t show up or contact me before the last day rent is due, can I send certified mail to the address and email him a notice that the lease is being terminated due to his nonpayment of rent? Just wanting to know what my options are legally in case he comes back a few weeks from now and can’t get in because the locks changed. For reference, the property is located in Williamson County Tennessee near Nashville. Thanks in advance!