Tenant move out and utilities

[Daria B.]

hello all 

 I'm not really sure of this because this is the first time that I have experienced this situation. I have a tenant that is actually a good tenant and is moving out prior to the lease ending. 

They realize they are obligated for the remainder of the rent monies so that's not the situation. 

The question I have is in regards to utilities. 

Technically the tenant was supposed to move out on 24 of October but is leaving today. I don't think they should be responsible for utilities up until the 24th, which is really when the lease expires, because they are not their to consume. Technically, should they be responsible for that time period(?), I don't think so but I wanted to ask others who have been in this situation what was done. Did you when something in the lease to cover this?

There are no provisions in the lease that warrant this - may have my answer in that statement. :-)

Thank you 

[Andrew B.]

tenants are responsible for utilities throughout lease term. at the minimum safe temperatures must be maintained at all times, which may not be a problem in florida. if you are planning on going in and doing some turnaround work, you can switch utilities over to your name for the time being, as long as you know tenant has vacated apartment. I believe you should formally take possession of apartment before doing so.

check your local landlord tenant laws for accuracy before doing anything