Tenant walking out on 12 month lease what ate my options

[Elizabeth King]

We own a 2 unit house and tenants signed lease for 12 months. After 6 weeks they gave lame reasons for wanting to leave including my telling them they couldn't put Christmas lights on handrails on steps in front of house shared by us.  They sent letter saying they are giving us 30 days notice but didn't specifically say when. Does 30 day notice apply to 12 month lease? We told them they are breaking the lease. What are our options? We are in Chicago. Thanks

[Anthony Wick]

@Elizabeth King 1. Remind them of the lease. They are responsible for rent until you get a new tenant. 2. Attempt to find a new tenant ASAP. Tell tenants keeping place clean and able to show while they live there will help them get out of lease. 3. This would be a good time to verify where they are moving to (to mail their damage deposit to them), and where they work. Of course, what you are doing is getting information to serve them with court papers if they fail to pay, and to get their employment info for wage garnishment. 4. Rent to new tenant, hopefully quickly so nobody loses money on the deal. 5. Keep damage deposit for at least a couple weeks after new tenant moves in, in case repairs are needed. 6. If no new tenant quickly, and tenant moves out, remind them they are to pay rent by the first of the month while you continue to look for new tenant. 7. If they do not pay rent, take them to court.