If you want to try and meet them halfway you can offer them 2 options in my mind.  1) continue to pay the lease until you can fill the space, AND until the rent commencement date of the next tenant. 

Mortgage payments commence after that. 

., when the property was first advertised and considered liveable).The in-service date would determine when business technically began and when reporting (tax filing) should commence.

We have clearly been in an aggressive seller's market for several years now, so this will provide the opportunity for buyers to enter the market with more incentives and discounts as properties commence to take longer to sell and inventory continues to increase.

Most states with strong Contractor law only allow the Contr to collect $1000 or 10% - whichever is LESS...prior to commencing work.

Before I could commence action, the borrower paid one month's rent out of the 3 that he owned. 

I advise a good scope of work and payment schedule in writing in advance of the commencing the work.

These records play a critical role in documenting the condition of the property at the commencement and conclusion of the lease agreement, thereby aiding in the resolution of any potential security deposit disputes.

Let the blowing of the mind commence!

Commencing small enables you to acquire expertise and understand the ins and outs of being a landlord.You're already on the right track by acting; keep in mind that the initial move is frequently the most important.