Tenant left the country without telling me and is not returning

[Jabran Sadiq]

Hi everyone, I’m a new home owner / investor and need some advice. I just bought my first property last month in New Jersey. I am house hacking and have roommates. I only spend 2-3 days at the house and spend the rest of the week at my other home.

Long story short:

Roommate moved in February 15th, 2022. Month to month lease. She left the country today and took a plane back to Russia and never told me anything. Other roommate who speaks Russian told me she left and has severe mental health issues and needs to be back home with her parents. I’m pretty sure she’s not coming back but don’t know 100%. I am trying to communicate with her parents to find out more and possibly send them the security deposit back. Her next rent payment is due March 15th.

What are my next steps? When can I remove her furniture? When can I list the room for rent?

Thank you everybody!

[Kevin Manafi]

Hi @Jabran Sadiq, as JD stated above, these questions would be covered under New Jersey Landlord/Tenant laws. More specifically, they would fall under the "Abandonment" clause in most leases. I would always recommend consulting a qualified attorney for more complex Landlord/Tenant issues so that you can have peace of mind in knowing that you are following the correct procedures.