Managing tenants moving in and out

[Maya Jones]

We have a unit with 3 tenants, 2 out of 3 seem they will be moving out in december. The remaining tenant wants to bring her girlfriend and the girlfriend cousins in. So going from 3 to 4 total. 

do I need to ask the tenants that are moving out for an official letter stating when they plan to move out? Since their original lease doesnt expire until april 2026, do I say they are still responsible for paying unless I find a replacement tenant? 

can I limit how many people reside in an apartment? I am in chicago. Can I say I want to keep the number of tenants to 3 as original lease? 

i am planning to have everyone new fill out application and background check.

[Paul De Luca]

@Maya Jones

I don't think an official letter from the vacating tenants is necessary. Written confirmation alone should be enough. 

Since their lease expires in April 2026 though, are you mutually agreeing to terminate the lease early? You could certainly try to hold the vacating tenants liable for the remaining balance of the rent due, but in practice it's going to be difficult to actually enforce.

Double check your lease about occupancy limits but yes you can set a limit for how many people occupy an apartment you own.