Quote from @Jason Seay:
3 bed 2 bath house. lease is up in May 2025. Couple is splitting up and one is wanting to stay. The one leaving is paying 1/2 of the rent through 5/31/25. So my questions are:
Do I write an addendum to the lease with just one person?
What about the security deposit? I will do a walk through with the one moving out when she leaves but he will still be there until May. Not sure if I will renew his lease. Thinking of selling and 1031 to something else.
My thoughts are to do an addendum (but not sure how to word it since she will have pre-paid her part until may) and let them figure out the security deposit between themselves at the end of the lease.
Any input is appreciated.
I've been in this situation a billion times- honestly, the answer is very simple. Their personal problem does not effect your contract in any way. One of them can move out, but that doesn't eliminate their responsibility to pay the rent according to the contract they signed. Doesn't effect the deposit either.
Tell them to figure it out between themselves. They don't need to notify you about anything other than if they want a different roommate to move in.
If one moves out and you get half of the rent, reject the payment. Rent is paid in full, doesn't matter where it comes from.
If they want to bring on a new roommate, you screen them like anyone else and if they qualify, great- you can talk about amending the lease at that point, but that is only a courtesty.
Imagine if landlords did this to tenants (and I know some do...I'm responding to another post like that right now...). You have a personal issue- car engine blows up, so you tell your tenant that they need to pay double the rent for one month so that you can get your car fixed? C'mon.
Don't make their personal problem YOUR personal problem. Be professional, kind and firm.