What to do when some of the tenants in a rental leave?

[Stephen Homes]

I have a NJ rental (good 5 bedroom rental house, but not so good neighborhood and therefore not so good tenants). 3 adults, 4 kids and pets. 10 months prior to the end of the lease (All 3 adults signed one lease. No individual leases), on July 2nd, 2 adults, and their kids and all pets left without returning the keys. Each group claims that they paid the last month rent and security deposit. The lady who stayed, love the house and want to start a new lease and have new housemates as she can’t pay the whole rent (she paid half the rent end of June). FYI, I don’t want to take anyone to court. As with this type of tenants it is almost impossible to collect the debt. Share your thoughts on what is the best decision to make. Thank you.

1. If I keep the current lease, even in the best scenario if the tenant pays the rent (which is unlikely) then how would I deal with the security deposit at the end?

2. One solution is to let the lady break the lease and leave in exchange of my keeping the last month rent and security deposit. Then I use the money to get the place repaired and rented.

[Theresa Harris]

Group meeting or email and send everyone a copy of the signed lease.  Did they actually pay the last month's rent?

If the one person wants to stay, then tell her the terms of the lease and give her a deadline.  You should screen the new roommates and all are on the lease.  On the lease explain that they are all responsible for meeting the terms of the lease which includes paying rent.

Tell them they signed the lease and once it expires or the early termination clause is invoked.  Do not return any deposit until keys are returned and you've inspected the place. Even then it is up to the three or them to sort out.