Tenant wants out of 1 year lease after 6 months due to health

[Marcia Johnson]

What to do with a good tenant that wants out of their 1 year lease after 6 months.  It is a senior that can no longer care for themselves and the family is wanting out of the 1 year lease after 6 months.  The tenant has been there for a year and a half with no issues.  The lease states the tenant is responsible for future rents and costs if they breach the lease.  There is a security deposit. What have others done?

[Rob Greenawalt]

They can no longer care for themselves......If you believe this is indeed the case and they (and their family) are not pulling something, extend mercy to them and let them (and their family) out of the lease with no fees! Take the loss and rent it ASAP. 

It's within you legal rights to do otherwise, but I believe the above is the right thing to do and you reap what you sow in business and the rest of life!

Eric Whiting does make a good point about discrimination though. It may be good to add provisions to your lease (perhaps you could require a medical condition be certified by a physician) so that all tenants are treated equally and you protect yourself from lawsuits.