Not renewing a tenants lease...

[Anthony Silver]

I have a a tenant in a SFH and her lease is up on January 31, 2016...I'm not interested in renewing her lease...we've sent her a certified letter notifying her to that fact, but I'm concerned about her vacating by the expiration date...do I have a recourse if she doesn't?

[Michael Boyer]

Every state has an eviction process, Anthony. But you have other leverage to use first.

Think about the deposit, for example, and communicating the benefits of a smooth move out. Put it in the tenant's interest: return of deposit (if clean, empty, vacated on time), no legal action, etc.... It should be in their self interest to move out on time and without a problem in most cases, so that message resonates...

Check in for a progress report or two on moving progress. Early messaging can help. (You are "just seeing how the move out is going and if you can be of any assistance in the process")

Some tenants move on easily, others less so. You can gauge this. It often depends on the tenant and their abilities and resources. 

I have done a range of creative things to facilitate the move from simply giving tips on where to give way items (goodwill, etc) to even offering some financial incentives, but you can think about that as you near the date. You may hear they have a new place lined up very soon or It may seem nothing is being prepared and no plans made... So adjust your strategy accordingly. Message me for any specific ideas... best of luck