Question about renewing lease on an inherited tenant

[Ally Kumar]

Greetings BP members!! I have inherited a tenant whose lease expires end of Aug. Tenant pays on time but keeps the unit dirty and its smelly. Tenant wants to continue at same rent. Rents have gone up in that area now. BP members, what would you do? If I am not happy the way tenant keeps her unit, can I decline to renew the lease? Do I have to give a reason for non-renewal? Any tips on renewal issues? Are there any legal implications in not renewing a tenant's lease? Thanks in advance. 

[Account Closed]

A non-renewal of a lease is just that.  You don't wish to renew the lease.  No law broken there!  Give your tenant a proper notice stating that you will not be "renewing" their lease.  You don't need to give a reason since it is not an eviction.  It is a Non-renewal of a lease.  However, I always gave a reason because that is the decent thing to do.  In your case, in order to be kind, just say that you plan to upgrade the unit and raise the rent and you need the unit vacant in order to do it.  

Nancy Neville