Early Move-Out and Key Return Process. When the Lease Ends?

[Linda Roberts]

My current tenants have a lease until August 31, but they plan to move out and return the keys by August 15. I don’t plan to reimburse them for moving out earlier. The new tenants, starting their lease on September 1, have asked to move their furniture in earlier.

Can the current tenants request the keys back since their lease isn't over until August 31? Is there any paperwork I need to complete with them to confirm that returning the keys means their lease is officially over?

[Jill F.]

If the new people want the unit prior to the end of the current tenant's lease, I would tell them they would have to pay the daily rent beginning the day they got the key and took possession. Then I would ask the current tenant if they wanted to give the apartment up the day before  the new tenant's desired date and reimburse the current tenant for the number of days the new tenant paid. The new tenant could only move in early if the current tenant agreed to return possession early. In OHio you aren't allowed to double dip and charge two tenants for the same dates.