Tenant lease renewal

[Jodi Roberts]

Hi all,
I am looking for some advice regarding renewing a tenant's lease that is set to expire soon. I reached out to them to renew and offered a 1 year lease at the same rent they are paying now or a month-to-month lease at a higher rent (4% increase). They had expressed that they may be buying a house in the next year so I wanted to offer a choice. However, they said that they wanted to sign a shorter lease period instead (9-10 months with the option of going mo to mo after). I told them no as I just told another tenant at a another property no regarding a shorter lease and offered the same 12 month or month-to-month option, and I want to be consistent and fair. The tenant is now not responding for the last 2 weeks, and I'm not sure how to proceed. Any advice? Thank you!

[Steven Warner]

Jodi

When this happens I reach to them via certified mail  and first class mail (send both) telling them one of the following: 

I underhand how life can take over and cause you (the tenant) to not find the time to contact me regarding the lease situation we discussed.  While I do not want to lose you as a tenant I understand that you have choices to make, as do I.  Because we have been unable to discuss this matter further, I have enclosed a the required Notice of Rental Increase to $    ($ + 4%) {or if you want to terminate the tenancy , a Notice of Termination}.

This usually gets their attention and they quickly call. If they do not call then you are going to receive a higher amount you wanted. 

Either way these tenants are thinking of terminating the tenancy so why not "assist" them? 

What is key for you is that you are getting what is fair on your terms.   

You can be fair and nice at the same time - trust me they may not think of it that way but you know you are right.

Hope this helps...

Steve