Legal recourse for Tennants who move out and stop paying before the lease is up.

[Laura Casner]

I have a long term rental in Lake Tahoe (NV side). We had a tennant for a year, who renewed for another 8 months.  Two months after renewing she said her company restructured and she lost her job so she wanted to move back to Wyoming.   We immediately listed the unit, but with winter fast  approaching it is very challenging to fill the unit.  She moved out and has stopped paying rent. It's my understanding that a Tennant is responsible for rent until a new Tennant is found. 

Does anyone here have experience pursuing someone for unpaid rent in this manner?  She was an executive level at a Casino and owns a home in another state so I am sure the funds exists.  How difficult is it to recoup those costs?

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Laura Casner:

The Tenant is responsible for the full term of the lease, or until a new Tenant takes over, whichever is first. 

Continue charging her until a new Tenant takes over, then send her a final statement with the amount owed. I recommend you give her 30 days to pay it in full. If she doesn't pay, send it to collections and let them go after her.

Collections can work well on someone with money and a good credit rating. It is reported to the credit reporting agencies and could prevent her from qualifying for a loan or even renting another home. That's often all it takes to get her to pay.