Lease Breaking

[Jeremy Dugal]

Hello. I have some tenants under a 1 year lease who decided to up and leave today essentially breaking the lease. They were four months into their lease at $750/mos. These are college students. I politely sent them a text reminding them that a lease is a legal contract, that I would be trying to find a new tenant asap but that they would be responsible for the rent until I was able to do so. I also stated I would likely pursue legal action if they did not pay. Of course she sent a text back asking who I thought I was threatening and her uncle is a lawyer and all that other good stuff. My question is if it is even worth it financially to pursue the unpaid portion of the lease if I am unable to re-rent for a while or will I likely just be bogged down with legal fees making it all a wash. And why even have a lease if this is the case. Should I just let it go even the I'm burning up inside about her response. Has anyone had this experience and how did it turn out?

[Jonathan G.]

Its business not personal. Regroup and get the unit turned over and back on market to rent. Keep deposit per your lease (I'm assuming you had a lease break clause for 1-2 months rent) and pursue lost rents later. Yes it's irritating and yes it's insulting but stay focused. Who cares if the uncle is a lawyer. Send her a copy of the lease if she asks for deposit back. Don't get into the "back and forth" trap with her.