Would you let a lease expire and go month-to-month "by default?"

[Tim Johnson]

I have tenants in a unit that have caused a few headaches from time to time but otherwise pay every month. I was going to renew their lease for another year, but now I think I should just let the lease expire and "default" to a month-to-month agreement as provided under OK state law. That would give me more flexibility to remove them if they cause any more problems.

What do you do in this situation? Would you want to get the new month-to-month agreement in writing or is it fine to continue without one?

[Jennifer T.]

I personally let all my leases go month-to-month when they expire.

Especially if you see the possibility that there could come a time when you might want to give them notice anyway, definitely let it revert to month-to-month.  The only advantage to renewing their lease is "maybe" they would be more inclined to stay for an entire additional year.  But then, we also know that tenants will often move out whenever they want, regardless of a lease.