Tenants Break Up - But BOTH Want To Stay - What should I do?

[Daniel Yip]

All, I have a sticky situation. Any advise would be appreciated.

My tenants (boyfriend, girlfriend) have broken up ... the man is the sole bread winner.  The woman stays home to care for the kids (they are of a mixed family).  They pay the rent on time and take care of the property.  Recently the couple had argued so much that the cops were called once.  Long story short they've agreed the relationship is over, but BOTH parties want to remain in the house.  They've signed a year-long lease until Apr 2023 ... 

The man asks me if he can remain there and restructure the contract (to be without her name; evicting her essentially).  The woman, whom I haven't talked to, though has broken up with the man, still feels she's done enough in this domestic relationship to be allowed to stay in the house.  Again, the rent is paid on time.  

So, from a landlord's perspective, is this a case of "there's nothing I can do" (or even should do)?   Thanks.

[Bruce Woodruff]

Well, what does your lease say? You follow that first. If it is unclear or ambiguous, then you need to decide who can continue to pay you the rent every month. Sounds like she can't unless she gets a job, so I would choose him. I would not leave this as is, you gotta do something...because this ain't gonna get any better and you will have a huge mess....