Tenants Parents Checking in

[Aaron Linden]

Hey everyone,

I just had a tenants mother call me (1:00AM) concerned about her sons health as they live 9 hours away. Let's shorten the storyline to say he has had several open heart surgeries (although none recently) and they could not get ahold of him all day (which is not like him). His room mate is also on a business trip and he was supposed to go on the same trip. I told her to have the police drive by the house to check and see but they will not be able to get in. What are my obligations in this situation beyond being a good person? I plan to drive 2 hours tomorrow to let the police into the home? Is there a better option such as getting a locksmith? How do you recommend I handle the rest of the situation? I suspect I should not enter the house without the police. I think it is worth noting that the tenants are good tenants who do not complain frivolously and pay on time.

Thank you for any situational advice you could provide.

Aaron

[Joe Splitrock]

Legally you can do what Greg suggests, but it is morally wrong. Have a direct discussion with the tenant and there are three options, keep paying for it by himself, find a new roommate or move out. Let him know any of these options is acceptable, but make it clear the rent needs to continue to be paid on time if he stays. Yes, let him out of his lease and return all his security deposit. If you treat people like crap, then life will treat you like crap and one day you will be a bitter old man posting nasty things on internet forums.