Domestic problem tenant

[John R Kepler]

This weekend the female tenant of one of my properties called requesting I take the male tenant off the lease as they split up. The last thing I want is to be in the middle of this dispute. Both names are on the lease and listed as being financialy responsible. I have had no communication with him. At the moment I am in a holding pattern to see if this works itself out. My question is how to proceed legally and ethically with regards to the lease and deposit. Appreciate any advice.

[Theresa Harris]

Ask him if he's okay having his name removed from the lease.  You also need to get in writing that the two of them will sort out the deposit such that when she leaves, you will only deal with her.  Don't give him any of the deposit back, that is up to them to sort out, but you need to get it in writing.  When he signs that he can be removed from the lease also have both sign off the any damages that may have been caused, she is now responsible for (ie when they move out you do the inspection as usual and she can't claim that he did something and she won't pay for it).