Tenant didn't sign lease

[Ryan Proffit]

Hello team,

I acquired an 8 plex about a month ago.  The in place tenants were month to month.  We drafted a new lease with a rent increase and instructed the tenants to return the signed leases by Jan 1st.  I have one tenant, who went ahead and paid the increased rent, but hasn't returned the lease.  I have text her, called her and left a voice mail on Jan 1 telling her that she would be considered month to month at a higher rate, but no response. 

How should I proceed?  I am fully aware that she can't just stay in place with no lease.  That scenario seems less than ideal.  Let me know.  Feel free to let me have it.  Thanks.

[Max T.]

Originally posted by @Nik Corbaxhi:

Originally posted by @Ryan Proffit:

@Nik Corbaxhi I agree with that. Looking for some advice to move forward.

Try visiting her and knock on the door. While tenants don't like unexpected visits, especially from the landlord, you have exhausted all communications channels with no luck. Once you get her in person, then ask for the lease agreement that you have not received yet and if she dances around it (I would expect she would), then straight up ask her if the rent increase is the issue and how you can work with her, if you want to retain her. If not, just state that if there is no contract, you will have to start showing the property to potential tenants as you want to have lease agreements for 1 year instead of month to month. At this point you can end the month to month at any point, as long as you give her enough notice (usually 30 days in advance). 

I'll add to that - bring a spare copy of the new lease and a copy of your 30 day notice just in case.