Charging tenants to move to another apartment

[Heather Kucich]

Hi,

I have a multi unit. Frequently I have tenants request to move into a newly opened apartment. Sometimes it's because the vacant apartment may have a balcony or be a newer updated unit. I am never really sure how I should handle this because if I allow them to move into the vacant unit I now have two units to clean and get ready for the next tenants. Every tenants tells me they will clean their unit before moving into the new one but it is NEVER cleaned enough that a new tenant can just move in.

I have told tenants that I would have to charge them a cleaning fee to switch apts. This never goes over well because I am automatically told they will clean it. How do you typically handle this situation. Any suggestions?

[Nathan Gesner]

@Heather Kucich develop a simple policy and put it in writing. When a tenant asks to move, email them a copy of your policy so they can read it themselves. It will show you aren't flying by the seat of  your pants and that you are treating them the same as anyone else.

My policy is simple: treat everyone the same.

If an apartment opens up and a complete stranger wants to rent it, they follow this process:

1. View the apartment to ensure it meets their needs; 

2. Complete the application process;

3. Pay the deposit;

4. Sign the lease, pay the rent, and move in.

What if a Tenant in Unit A wants to rent Unit B? They follow the same process!

1. View the apartment to ensure it meets their needs;

2. Complete the application process;

3. Pay the deposit;

4. Sign the lease, pay the rent, and move in.

What about moving out of Unit A? Should you transfer their deposit? NO! Should you waive the cleaning requirement or let them slide on damages? NO!

I use the same process to move them in as I would a complete stranger. They must meet my standards. They must pay the deposit. They must have a good Landlord reference, meaning they don't have lease violations or late payments in their current rental with you.

After they move out of Unit A, I complete the inspection and deal with them like I would any other tenant. This means they are charged for cleaning and repairs, they are responsible for rent until lease termination, etc.

The only exception I may make is letting them break their lease on Unit A. For example, if the tenant still had six months left on Unit A and they want to move into unit B, I may allow them to break their lease early without penalty. It all depends on how badly I want them to rent Unit B, how much time/trouble it will cost me, which unit will be easier to rent, etc.