one tenant wants to leave after only 1 month on 3 year contract.

[Salvatore Giancola]

Hey BP members,

I am looking for some advice on this matter. I purchased a newly renovated single family home and started screening tenants immediately.   2 friends came together and filled out an application together. they were looking to move in together and said they were old family friends. first applicant (lets call her lisa) is a mother of 3 (all under age 10) and the other (lets call her linda) is a single female. together they had a strong application. they were selected, signed a 3 year contract and agreed on a move in date (they needed to give their currently landlord 20 days notice to move out). 

About 3 weeks after moving in, Linda emails me stating she would like me to remove her name from the contract. Lisa and Linda got into an argument and she had decided to leave. Lisa also emailed me a few days later saying Linda is moving out, but she (lisa) wants to stay with her 3 kids and can pay the rent on her own.

I have no intention to remove Linda from the contract. I emailed them both about a week later saying that Linda has every right to move out of the property, however that they are both equally responsible to pay the rent for the duration of the contract.

from the pay stubs lisa provided i don't see how she could afford rent on her own if linda does move out, even though she says she can afford it (maybe from baby bonus or help from family). even assuming she can make the payments on her own, i'm not sure on best course of action.

since they applied together and one tenant leaves, Lisa may not meet minimum requirements to be approved on her own. should/can I make her re-apply on her own? can I make her move without an eviction if she doesn't meet minimum requirements. if she re-applies and is approved, do i draw up a new contract with only her, removing the other tenant from the contract? I don't think i can evict as long as she pays rent in time next month.

any insights or advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Salvatore Giancola

 BRR HOMES