Using Tenant's deposit to cover rent in early termination agrmnt

Using Tenant's deposit to cover rent in early termination agrmnt

Rental Property Investor · Coral Springs, FL · Member since 2017 · 2 posts · 1 vote

Hi Everybody!

My tenant asked to be let off of his lease 2 months early and I decided that I want to sell the property so I offered them the deal that if they paid 1 of those 2 months (~$1700) and allowed us to start making upgrades to the property, they could be let off of the lease early. He wasn't happy about this and said something to the effect of "Well you want to sell as soon as possible, don't you? And you can't come in and replace the carpet if I'm still in posession of the house." 

My real estate agent recommended trying to sweeten the deal by offerring him the same deal only worded slightly different. He'd pay half of 1 of the remaining months (~$850), vacate on the 15th and I'd take the other half of the month out of his deposit ($800). His deposit is 2 months rent (~$3800).

So my questions are:
1- Is it legal for me to make this kind of a deal with the deposit? It seems to me from my internet research that I can't touch the deposit unless he fails to pay rent or causes damage to the property.

2- Is it wise to touch the deposit before he leaves? My agent has walked through the house and it seems in good shape and in fact, all his stuff is already moved out. But a lot can happen between now and when I get the keys back.

I'm kinda worried that he's just gonna stop paying rent and I'm going to either have to wait until the lease ends to start making upgrades or take legal action and evict which is going to cost me more money. Is there a better move here?

Thanks in advance!

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Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 930 votes
8y

Deposit is for damages first, and unpaid rent last. What if you let the tenant use the deposit for last months rent, and after they leave you find they stole your copper pipes? Let the pay the rent, and send them the deposit within 30 days if they have caused no damage.

But legally you can make any deal you want as long as the tenant agrees to it.

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  • Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 930 votes
    8y

    Deposit is for damages first, and unpaid rent last. What if you let the tenant use the deposit for last months rent, and after they leave you find they stole your copper pipes? Let the pay the rent, and send them the deposit within 30 days if they have caused no damage.

    But legally you can make any deal you want as long as the tenant agrees to it.

  • Rental Property Investor · DFW, TX · Member since 2013 · 953 posts · 910 votes
    8y

    Whatever you do just get it in writing. You may not be able to touch his deposit unless he damages something or stops paying but if he agrees for you to keep a certain dollar amount, he won't have a leg to stand on. The clock starts ticking once you get the keys. If it were me, since you are selling it, I would just make him pay prorated rent until the day he gets the keys. I also would not have told him you were selling it because if you do deduct things from his security deposit he will complain that, "you were going to improve that, or fix that anyway to get it to sell." Not that he has a case but it will just be less hassle you have to deal with. 

  • Corby GoadeBusiness Member
    Investor · Boise, ID · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y

    It sounds like the tenant asked you first if they could get out of the lease? If that's the case, you selling the house is completely inconsequential. I'd keep that as close to my vest as possible so that you retain the leverage and selling the house is not part of the conversation. If you want out of your lease early, you (the tenant) needs to negotiate a reasonable solution. What you do with your property the day they vacate has nothing to do with that. Good luck!

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    8y

    I wouldn't have told the tenant I intended to sell the house but that ship has sailed.

    The tenant is responsible for the full term of the contract. If they decide to break the lease and leave early, you have an obligation to try and find a new tenant so the original tenant can be relieved of their obligation. However, you intend to sell it so you won't be making any effort to find a renter. Your current tenant could argue they are technically released from any obligation because you are no longer treating the home as a rental.

    Personally, I recommend you try to negotiate something that makes the tenant happy and gets control of the home back to you as soon as possible. If he refuses to pay anything, give him the deposit and move on because he's cared for the home and is giving it back to help you sell it, so that has some value.

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