Tenants Split - She wants off of the Lease

[James R.]

I just received an email from a female tenant telling me that she and her boyfriend have split.  She moved out yesterday and wants to be removed from the lease.  I haven't had this happen in 10+ years of being a landlord.  How best to handle? 

[Jon Holdman]

The answer is "no".  She's on the lease until it ends.  She can leave if she wants, but she's still responsible for the lease.  If the boyfriend can't or won't pay, you want to be able to go after her for the rent.

The other option is for them (not just her) to break the lease.  Then, you can consider writing a new lease with just the boyfriend, if he qualifies by himself.

Also, in the end if you return any deposit money, and it was received from the two of them when they moved in, the check should be made out to "him and her".