Long Term Leases Tenants and Owner Occupied Duplex

[Patrick Bross]

Hey everyone,

I am a newbie so go easy on me if this is old hat.  Quick question on whether a tenant lease can be broken if the property is acquired and the new owner wants to owner occupy.

For example, I buy a duplex using FHA financing that currently has two tenants with leases until August 2015. If I wanted to owner occupy (which I must), is there any way to remove one of the tenants legally? Is there a way to bypass the lease agreement?

If location makes the difference, my question pertains to Charleston, SC.

Thank you!!