How to voidable lease

[Zoe Smith]

Hello

My tenant did not pay the balance of move-in costs by the due date after the contract execution.  Several unsuccessful attempts have been made to request payments and have received multiple excuses (could not find the checkbook or could not send electronic payment).  The tenants have not moved in.

At this point I just want to void this contract and move on.  How do I go about voiding the contract?  When can I offer the rental to the next applicant? 

Thank you.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Zoe Smith:

Use whatever communication methods you know will work. For example, if you've successfully communicate with them by text message, send them a text. As long as you have something in writing, you are typically covered.

"Dear Tenant, 

Our agreement was that you would meet all the requirements and pay the balance owed no later than May 25th. It is now May 30th and you have not paid the balance owed and are not responding to my communication. I hereby notify you that the agreement is terminated and you forfeit all funds deposited."

That's it. Then block their number, email, etc. If they try to reach out, ignore them. The only way they can come after you is if they sue in court, at which point they would have to justify why they failed to abide by the agreement or communicate with you.

In the future, I recommend you have a plan for this up front. My lease says they agree to pay all funds, set up utility accounts, and meet all other requirements no later than [DATE]. If they fail to meet those requirements within 72 hours of the deadline, I terminate the agreement and they forfeit any and all funds deposited with me up to that point.