Tenant drama - changing locks

[Paul Hormann]

One of my rental apartments is leased to "Jane" and "Joe" who are dating.  Joe has 2 kids that live with them.  This month I didn't receive their rent by the due date and started getting calls from both Jane and Joe explaining how the other one was crazy.  Jane moved her things out and Joe says he's waiting to pay me once he gets her part of the rent.  This part I believe I'm handling well, as I told them that they are both on the lease and both responsible for the entire rent or an eviction will take place.  Here's the part I'm struggling with: Joe wants to change the locks so Jane can't get in anymore.  They both say she's moved out, but is still on the lease so is entitled to access to the apartment, regardless if she's paying any portion of the rent or not.  Thoughts?

Also, I stupidly allowed language in the lease that said that Jane paid the security deposit alone.

[Michael Currie]

Hi Paul,

I think you should hold them to the lease rules.  I would not change the locks until you worked out a new lease deal with Joe (unless you feel there could be violence, which if Jane is crazy, a new lock will not stop her).

If Joe is unable to handle the lease on his own, or work out a deal to settle up and start a fresh lease, I would just start the eviction process.

Joe will either come to the party, or maybe just bail.

Either way it sucks, but it is better than getting sucked into the Jane and Joe drama vortex.

Michael P Currie