How to End Contract of Tenant Who Has Mental Disorder

[Jay Truong]

Recently, I just bought a triplex in Tempe, AZ. All tenants are on month-to-month lease. In order to do a major repair to the sewer line and electrical panels, I decided to end leases to all tenants in 30 days. I dropped new-owner notices and 30-day lease termination notices at the entry doors of all tenants.

However, one tenant does not have a job, cell phone, nor electricity. His mom is co-signing the lease for him (but living in a different state and paying for his rent) and said he has mental disorder. She advised me to call Crisis 7 to help him find a new home (I'm not sure what it is). His door is always closed. I tried knocking the door to make sure that received the notice but he never answered.

We still have 30 more day to go, but now I am worried about how he will be able to find a new rental in order to move out as he seems to have so many issues.

I am not sure what I should prepare at this moment.

[Ryan Swan]

Tread carefully and make sure you follow the proper timeline for notifications. Assuming you sent the non-renewal letters via Certified Mail, then that receipt serves as your record of delivery/notice (even if the tenant claims he never received it) The clock would be ticking from that date of delivery or attempted delivery. Not much else you can do right now except wait and assume the tenant will honor the non-renewal and be out by the specified date. Speak to an attorney regarding possible next steps if the tenant doesn't vacate.