Question about the Quit option in "Notice to Pay Rent or Quit"

[John Truong]

Hello,

After the tenants decide to "Quit", how do I make the lease termination official?

Background: I gave a 3-day notice to my tenants last night. Tenants can no longer afford the rent and is one month behind. They verbally told me they would move out by this weekend. The contract ends Jan 31st. The property is in Houston, TX.

Thank you in advance.

[Rick Pozos]

first, I am NOT an attorney.  What I do when I have to give notice to pay rent or quit is that I dont take the word of the tenant who is behind.  If after the weekend, they are still there, go to the evictions court and get the process started.  The tenants may keep telling you they are moving this weekend, then by Wednesday, then Friday, and then by THIS weekend for sure.  Another month can go by and they are still there living another month for free.

Of course, be nice because you dont want them to destroy anything, but be firm.