Lease expiring, couple is splitting up -- Each wants to renew on their own

[Craig James Conrad]

I lease out a place occupied by an unmarried couple and a young child belonging to one of them.  The lease expires in couple months.  They are not getting along and one has told me they plan to leave the relationship.  I'm sure that each one wants to keep the place on renewal though, obviously, not together.  Together, it worked out for me as their combined income allowed them to always make rent.  However, one of them is much more responsible and a much better financial risk (I'll omit details). I would be content to let that one remain by themself, but not the other one by themself.

It will be awkward to tell them that, as they aren't renewing *together*, I am not renewing the lease as it is, but that I am offering it to just one of them.  Anything I need to be particularly cautious of before I communicate this to them?

[Greg M.]

Unless local laws say otherwise: Notify both of them that the lease is not being renewed. Be mindful of how long in advance that you must notify them of this. At the same time, notify both of them they they are free to apply for the unit individually. Select the better candidate.