Break lease, abandon, unpaid rent & damages, security deposit

[Zack Monroe]

So, here is my situation, in Boston, Mass:

1. Tenant has a lease though 05/31/21. On 10/30/20 they asked to break it early and leave. I started showing the unit which remains unrented for December.

2. Late November, tenant moves out completely, leaves keys , states he has vacated.

3. Tenant acknowledged major damage to the floor.

4. I have $1650 security (from initial lease long ago), rent is $1750, damages may be over $2000.

5. My plan is to use the security to pay for December rent (partially), then demand payment for the rest of December rent ($100) and the damages. This assumes it will be rented for January. If not, then I will demand payment for that.

My question is what procedure should I follow to put this in motion? Should I simply send a letter stating that the apartment has been abandoned, tenant is still responsible for unpaid rent, unless payment is received it will go to court/collections?

I need specifics as to how to proceed.

Thanks for any help.

[Lien Vuong]

1. Itemize all damages and get confirmed receipt of cost to repair 
2. Use funds from SD to cover that 
3. Use LM for the LM's rent 
4. Consult attorney on abandonment of unit 
5. Once you go through court, itemize all your damages, loss rents, vacancy costs
6. Send all fees to collections agency and proceed with formal eviction notice so it sticks to their record