Thoughts on tenant leaving property empty for 3 months?

[Christian Wathne]

Hi everyone, hoping to get your input on a rental situation that’s new to me I have a single family property a in a B class neighborhood that I hire out the landscape maintenance. Tenant is a foreign business person living in the US and has notified me that they will be leaving the home vacant for 3 months to travel and is asking if that’s ok; also would like to sign another year lease (lease expires during travel time). So they want to extend the lease but let it be vacant for a few months. What are your thoughts regarding allowing a house to be left unoccupied for 3 months? Any advice is appreciated.

[Eric G.]

Hi @Christian Wathne

       I think it really depends. Are you local? Can you stop by the property to check in every now and then (and or) have someone who can do that in your absence? My lease has a clause that requires my tenant to notify me if they will be absent for more than 2 weeks at a time. I live local so it's not an issue with me but I can see how it might be risky for an absentee landlord. However, look at the bright side... zero wear and tear on your fully rented AND paid for property. I would be all for it within reason.