Lease ends but tenant can’t move

[Marci Stein]

My tenant ( an excellent one ) of 2 years informed me she will not sign a new lease and wants to move , however , since no one is showing apartments now she would like to pay month by month until crisis ends. 
 I don’t want to be insensitive , but if she moves after the summer it is extremely hard to rent out the house and could have a 6 month vacancy . 
Not sure if I have a choice in this situation- any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Anthony Wick]

Of course you have a choice. It is your property. I would explain that you could be willing to go MTM, for an upcharge, but she will need to either sign a new lease on August 1, or move out. Make sure everything is in writing, with the appropriate notices for either a new lease or move out. 

It is true that you could not evict her right now, but that is not going to last, and if she's a great tenant I highly doubt she wants an eviction on her record. 

Even in these difficult times, do not let your tenant be the one in charge of your investment. You can be kind, supportive, and understanding, and still protect your investment.