Found out tenants are getting divorced. Only husband is employed

Found out tenants are getting divorced. Only husband is employed

Investor · Springdale, AR · Member since 2016 · 14 posts · 7 votes

As the title states, we just found out today from the neighbors next to one of our properties that the tenants in our house are getting divorced. This poses a very serious potential problem for us because only the husband is employed. The wife is a stay at home mom. I want to head off any potential issues before they become more serious problems.

We were thinking of calling them up and telling them we need to come by to do the 6 month inspection (which is true) and while there, try to start a conversation with them on how they like the house, are there any improvements that can be made to it, are they happy, etc.. and reinforce what we've told them before, which is that if they have a problem, to please come to us and not just ignore the problem. That if they come to us before it becomes a huge issue, we can normally resolve it amicably. This would give us a chance to inspect the house and give them a chance to let us know if they're planning on abandoning the house. 

To complicate matters, if they are leaving, I want them gone now because in 2 months, the house will not be as desirable as it is now (Too many renters, not enough houses right now with school starting). 

Thoughts? How would you approach this situation if you had a heads up that you might be losing a tenant mid-lease?

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  • Investor · Buffalo, NY · Member since 2016 · 668 posts · 209 votes
    10y

    Husband has a job, wife will get maintenance plus child support. The wife might move. They might not be getting divorced despite what the neighbor thinks. Too many unknowns here. Have your conversation and see where it goes, not much you can do unless the rent is late.

  • Investor · Springdale, AR · Member since 2016 · 14 posts · 7 votes
    10y

    Fair enough. Just trying to do what we can to get ahead of any potential issues. We'll see what's going on this week.

  • Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    10y

    There is nothing to get ahead of . Its gossip from neighbors .  Do the inspection .  If they are both on the lease , each is responsible , never take 1/2 rent from 1 of 2 parties .  When the rent is late file for eviction , dont listen to excuses .  Worry about it when it happens , not before 

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