Raise rent or non-renewal of lease

[Kevin L.]

Hi BP community, I have a long term tenant (4 years) who has a good record of paying rent on time (with a few exception where he was late by 2 days). He's bad at communicating since he always does things to the property without telling me. I recently found out that he has drilled holes from the exterior of the house to connect her TV. And of course he didn't tell me about it. He's on month to month and his rent is definitely under market. Would you raise the rent closer to market in hopes that he leaves OR would you simply send him a notice to not renew the month to month? Thanks!

[Linda Weygant]

I think it really depends.

Do you want them out or are you willing to put up with the modifications they are making in exchange for money?

If you want them out no matter what, then don't renew the lease.

If you're ok with them continuing their behavior (because they will), then increase the rent.