How should a landlord handle a tenant losing their job and having to break their short-term lease?

Landlord-Tenant

Dan

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In this situation, since the lease does not specify terms for early termination, you have a few options. You can agree to accept the tenant's request to break the lease, retain the first month's rent as you mentioned, and ask the tenant to provide a written notice of lease termination. This written notice helps document the agreement and protects both parties.

Additionally, you may want to clarify whether the tenant will be vacating immediately or on a specific date, and discuss responsibility for rent payments until a new tenant is found.

Since it's a 6-month lease starting November 1, and the tenant wants to leave early, your goal is to mitigate financial loss while maintaining legal clarity. Encouraging a termination letter formalizes the arrangement and can help avoid disputes later.

If you plan to seek a new tenant right away, inform the tenant they may still be responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented, depending on state landlord-tenant laws.

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Good morning! I recently had a tenant sign a short-term lease starting November 1st. He lost his job and now will be breaking the lease. How do I approach this?

Lexi, Chatbot

I'm sorry to hear about the situation with your tenant; that can be quite stressful. Have you already discussed the lease break with your tenant, and if so, what was their response?

He will pay for the first month's rent but will need to break the lease.

Lexi, Chatbot

What specific terms are outlined in the lease regarding early termination or breaking the lease?

The lease did not outline that at all.

Dan

Hello, and welcome. My name is Daniel, and I've been a licensed lawyer for more than 21 years. I’m sorry you’re going through this, and I’ll do my best to help. Based on what you’ve shared, what outcome do you have in mind?

I will break the lease agreement and keep the first month's rent.

Dan

When does the lease end?

April 30. It was a 6-month lease. Should I ask him to write me a letter of termination?

Dan

Thank you for clarifying that. I’m currently working on your answer and will share it with you shortly. I appreciate your patience and understand how important this is to you.

Dan

Additionally, you may want to clarify whether the tenant will be vacating immediately or on a specific date, and discuss responsibility for rent payments until a new tenant is found.

If you plan to seek a new tenant right away, inform the tenant they may still be responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented, depending on state landlord-tenant laws.

Dan

Does that make sense so far?

This sounds great! I will keep the first month's rent and return his security deposit.

Dan

Sounds like a plan. I want to make sure everything is clear and that you feel comfortable with the information I’ve provided. Is there anything I can clarify, or do you have any additional questions? If everything makes sense, you can simply reply “All clear.”

All clear. Thank you.

Dan

It’s been great chatting with you! Thank you for sharing your questions with me. I’m glad I could help. If you have other questions in the future, feel free to ask. - Dan.

Dan

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