Military Tenant Breaking Lease

[Blake Garcia]

I have a tenant that I inherited with the purchase of a property that is leaving 4 months early from lease for training. She had been a good renter until pouring grease down the sink and causing $327 worth of pipe cleaning by plumber. The lease holds her accountable for the negligence, but I was going to waive the repair since I've had it since October and not positive that she was guilty. The plumber noticed 3 pans of dry grease near the sink while cleaning grease from lines last week. She informed me yesterday of leaving. I am undecided about the return of her full deposit under the conditions because it is military training, which I would not question, but the negligence then notice of moving within a month. By her breaking lease I believe I can keep deposit. Return a portion of deposit? Any ideas?

[Matt Devincenzo]

As a veteran I'll say this, sounds to me like she's trying to scam you on the "training".

I've seen it hundreds of times while active duty. The "military obligation" silver bullet is used to get out of consequences or obligations that they have. Ask to see her orders like @Chris Pasternak said. If she is a reservist her training is likely a 2 week AT, which (likely) would not be grounds for breaking the lease since she's not moving just going to school/drill for a couple weeks then she'll be back.