Returning security deposit - tenant ended lease early

[Michael Leo]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone would have any advice on how to handle this situation.

I was renting an apartment on a lease that was supposed to go through the end of October. Near the end of March one of the tenants told me they wanted to end the lease early and they let me know that they wanted to move out at the end of May. I was ok with it and was able to get someone else to rent starting in mid-June so only had it vacant for half a month.

She just asked whether she was going to get her deposit back (seemed like she wasn’t really sure if she was getting back or was supposed to, just asked if I was going to give it to her). The lease was just one I got on Turbotenant and doesn’t look like it specifically addressed ending the lease early and in our emails about ending the lease we did not address what would happen with the security deposit. I thought usually in these situations the landlord would keep at least part if not all of the security deposit but I was wondering if anyone else deals with this situation a lot?

Thanks,

Mike Leo

[William Powell]

In this situation, I would just give it back minus any repairs I had to do. If they gave me plenty of notice and they were good paying tenants and they had an issue come up where they can't afford the place or job relocation and they asked to break the lease I will work with them. I'm not in business to be a miser and hold people to the letter of the law. I'm in business to help people who need a hand and I believe that God will reward me with much greater properties and deals. Treat people like you want to be treated. IMO