Breaking a lease early in Michigan

[Joe Richardson]

I just closed on my first duplex last Friday March 4th.  Obviously I'm excited as this duplex is going to be the first of many properties to come.  I've called the tenants and had the opportunity to meet one set while the other lady and I have played phone tag.  She finally calls me back again today and says she understands I am the new owner and knows she will have to sign a new lease with me (she was not aware the old lease carries over) but she's not interested and wants to move out and has made other arrangements.  She only moved in a month ago but doesn't really like the new neighbors is taking care of an ex-husband dog as he's been deployed blah blah...

She wasn't thrilled when I let her know that the lease still applied and she still has 11 months left.  I did hear her out and was sympathic to her "issues".  With that said she is an inherited tenant and if she really doesn't want to be there then I'd like to make it work for both of us because I'm sure this would be just the begining and could end up getting worse. I'd like to charge her a buy out fee of two months rent and let her be on her way.  Does that sound reasonable?  I told her I would consult with my attorney and get back with her.  My inherited lease does not address this issue.