Tenants Want to Completely Turn Off Electicity and AC?

[Jon S.]

It's 96 degree days here in Tampa as summer approaches, and getting hotter. A tenant is moving out at the end of this month, but they want to shut off their power 2 weeks before their lease is up, because they are moving into another apartment before this lease is up. I have new tenants moving in on the first of June. The existing tenants are requesting permission to turn off their power 2 weeks in advance, so they can change their power bill account to their new apartment. On the surface, this makes practical sense. However, my concern is that the humidity in the summer heat of Florida might not be good for the apartment, which was completely rehabbed with granite counters, etc, just one year ago. The apartment has no mold problems at this time. I'm worried that letting the apartment get that hot and humid might encourage mold or cause expansion of the new floors, or some other damage? What can I tell the tenants? At least they are polite enough to ask permission. They have been very good tenants. But my instinct is that the apartment should not be left without power or AC for two weeks in the summer. At 96 degrees, it would be roasting hot in there. Thoughts? 

[John Thedford]

Change it to your name and eat the cost. This is part of being a landlord sometimes. If everything else was good with them, rent current, took care of the unit, etc...be thankful...thank them (you never know--they might recommend you as a landlord), and move forward.