Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
Quote from @Pamela M.:
1. You have written confirmation that he is out. There's no need to evict, ask him for confirmation, or anything else.
2. Secure the house immediately. Change the locks so he can't return. Ensure utilities are back in your name. Inspect.
3. Turn the rental around and find a replacement tenant quickly. Once the new tenant starts paying rent, you release the old tenant from any obligations. For example, if your old tenant moved out November 25th and you place a new tenant 15 days later, then you can hold the old tenant responsible for 15 days of unpaid rent.
4. Charge the old tenant for cleaning and repairs, unpaid rent, and other expenses. If the deposit does not cover the charges, then you should consider whether you want to pursue collecting the unpaid balance or write it off.
You did the right thing, and the tenant's behavior proves you were right.
Exactly what Nathan said here.
The longer you are a landlord, and the more units you get, the more likely it becomes that youll have tenants who abandon the property. That magical piece of paper we all call a lease, is really mostly a one way street. It binds the landlord, but honestly has little binding effect on a tenant when they simply choose to leave.
