Tenant signs lease yesterday, next day wants out?!

[William S.]

I have a tenant that signed a one-year lease yesterday. During the interview process she said she was downsizing which is her explanation on renting. The very next day (moving day) I get a phone call saying she wants out of the lease because she is closing on a home this summer?! She still wants to move in but only rent for three months, not the full twelve. What would you do?

[Ian R.]

First strike...she wants to back out of the lease the day after signing it.  

Second strike...she wants to keep the lease because she didn't understand the difference between being pre-approved for a home loan and actually being under contract for one.

Third strike...she wants to start making renovations to your property.

This is a nightmare tenant in the making.  All the signs are there.  If you can, get rid of her ASAP and get a sane, stable tenant in your house.

Best of luck!