Tenant wants to get out of lease early

[Jason Krawitz]

Happy Halloween! My tentant called today asking if they can end their lease early. They've always paid on time or early. Their lease isn't over until May 2018. 

How do you all handle this situation? I self-manage and really don't want to mess with a vacant property right around the holidays. 

My lease doesn't otherwise specify so I was thinking of offering to let them out of the lease for 2 months rent and no refund of their deposit. Does that sound reasonable? Too easy? Too harsh? 

Thanks!

-- Jason

[Brie Schmidt]

Originally posted by @Jason Krawitz:

Happy Halloween! My tentant called today asking if they can end their lease early. They've always paid on time or early. Their lease isn't over until May 2018. 

How do you all handle this situation? I self-manage and really don't want to mess with a vacant property right around the holidays. 

My lease doesn't otherwise specify so I was thinking of offering to let them out of the lease for 2 months rent and no refund of their deposit. Does that sound reasonable? Too easy? Too harsh? 

Thanks!

-- Jason

Check your local laws.  In my area we have to allow for a sublet.  So if they can find a qualified applicant to take over the lease, we have to allow it.  I usually just sign a new lease with the person to make it easy, but the landlord gets to set the income/credit requirements.