Tenant Moving Out Prior to Lease Ending

[Kaybreh Mathis]

Hello! I have an inherited tenant who signed a lease through July of 2021 with the previous owner. She has not paid rent for Feb or March. She just sent me a message and said she’s moving out and to keep the security deposit but that she will not pay any more rent. I’m checking into whether that’s legal in my state, but how would you handle this? I have several unexpected vacancies and large repairs right now and really need the rent to help offset costs. What would my next steps be? I am a new landlord and this is my first experience with this. Thanks!

[Greg M.]

She's not paying rent, so be happy she is leaving. She could just remain in the unit for months (possibly years with the current administration) without paying. Get her out of the unit and then decide your next step.

The security deposit can be applied against whatever rent she owes and damages caused to the unit. Make sure to send her an itemized list of deductions from her security deposit to comply with your local laws. 

If you feel it is worth your time, you can file a small claims suit against her for any remaining balance owed. 

As for your unexpected vacancies and large repairs, welcome to becoming a landlord. This is where good landlords who prepared and have reserves excel and bad landlords get crushed. No one ever expects to have multiple vacancies at the same time plus large repairs, but it's happened to all of us.