Early Move Out: Abandoned Property and Roommates Left Behind

[Patrick Frueh]

Hi Bigger Pockets Folk,  

I'm still very much a novice investor and I've run into a situation I've not encountered before.  I'd love to get some feedback from anyone who's been through it. 

I own a single-family rental property with three tenants on a lease through April 2023.  They have always paid me individually for their portion of the rent.  
One tenant informed me in July that he was relocating for work and would be moving out by September 1. He acknowledged that he was responsible for his portion of the rent until someone to take his place on the lease was found. The trouble is, I've been trying to get in touch with him via text and email unsuccessfully for two weeks now. I visited the property yesterday and found his house key in his room, along with a bed frame, mattress and desk. He hasn't yet paid September rent and I believe at this point he doesn't intend to. While the others on the lease are still technically responsible for the whole amount, I hesitate to make this their problem. I know that the extra cost would be more of a hardship for them then for me (their portion still covers the PITI + reserves), and they take good care of the property.

  How do I hold the tenant that skipped out accountable?  How do I move forward with disposing of their possessions and re-renting the space? I look forward to hearing from anyone who cares to throw in their 2 cents.