Read more articles from the author, Kevin Kiene, at his on-line resource for Landlords, http://www.ezLandlordForms. Take control today of your rental situation and create a Rental Agreement using state-of-the-art Lease Builder Wizard, the only Intelligent Document System for State specific Lease / Rental Agreements.
There are many different situations that can result in the violation of the terms of a lease. Tenants can breach a lease by breaking rules, missing rent payments, abusing the rental property, or otherwise failing to hold up their end of the lease agreement. Alternately, tenants may elect to deliberately break a lease by moving out of the rental property before the conclusion of the lease period has arrived.
So, as a landlord, how should you choose to respond to a tenant who has violated the terms of the lease? Clearly, your best course of action will always depend on the exact circumstances of the situation you are dealing with. However, here are a few general guidelines that will help you make the right decision for addressing a breach of the lease agreement.
If Your Tenant Has Broken the Rules:
* First, assess the level of seriousness of the violation. Is the problem in question a major violation of the rules or a repeat offense? If so, a more severe penalty may be justified. If not, a written warning and a signed form promising future compliance may be the best option.
* Has the property been damaged? If so, you can bill the tenant directly, include the repair costs on the next rent invoice, work out a payment plan to allow them to reimburse you for the repairs over several months' time, or deduct the amount directly from their security deposit. If you have any reason to believe that the tenant may be considering a premature departure, it may be best to deduct the repair costs directly from the security deposit to protect your own interests.
* What is your legal vulnerability? If the tenant's actions are in direct violation of the terms of the lease, you will be more likely to receive a favorable judgment if the matter winds up in court. However, if the rule that has been broken is only implied, vaguely worded, or missing altogether from the lease, it may be best to hold off on eviction until you have amassed a paper trail of documented warnings to the tenant.
* Is your property or your investment at serious risk? If your tenant has been engaging in activities or behaviors that could imperil the property, the neighborhood, your cash flow, or your reputation, an eviction could be warranted. If repeated warnings have been issued and the situation has not been resolved, consider your options, double-check your documentation trail, and begin the process.
If Your Tenant Has Moved Out Before the End of the Lease Period:
* Again, consider the circumstances of the lease violation. Does the tenant have a compelling reason for moving out early, such as a family emergency, a financial crisis, or a divorce? Has the lease just begun, or is it close to completion? Have they tried to talk to you and work out an arrangement? If so, it may be best to try to compromise and find a mutually beneficial solution to the problem, rather than pursuing a legal course of action.
* On the other hand, if a tenant moving out before the conclusion of the lease period has failed to communicate with you, left the property in disrepair, appeared to be deliberately trying to evade paying you, or has otherwise acted in bad faith, it may be best to hold them to the terms of the lease and demand rent payment for the remainder of the stated lease period.
Technically, there is no such thing as breaking a lease by moving out early from a contract law point of view. By signing the lease agreement, they have obligated themselves to honor the contract for the duration of the lease period specified, so you are perfectly justified to attempt to collect rent due by any legal means necessary.
As always, each situation that arises must be carefully considered in context. Take a rational, measured approach, calmly identify pros and cons, and select the course of action that best reflects a balance between ethical property management practices and a respect for the legal rights granted in your jurisdiction. If you think things through carefully rather than responding rashly, you will always make the right decision.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Turismo Y Real Estate: Dos Booms En Brasil
De: Horacio Pozzo/Latinforme | 17/03/2008 | FinanzasTurismo y Real Estate en Brasil: dos sectores que prometen alegrías en medio de la crisis internacional
6 Potente Vre (Virtual Real Estate) Modelos De Negocio Que Puedes Comenzar A Construir Para Ganar Dinero En Internet
De: Javier Pesarini | 22/07/2009 | InternetVRE - mejor conocido como "Virtual Real Estate" es, literalmente, la oportunidad de ganar dinero en internet para todo el mundo. Cada vez que hacemos una búsqueda sobre algo a través de Internet, obtenemos una lista de resultados. Dentro de esa lista de resultados de millones de páginas virtuales de inmobiliarias que están obteniendo por ahí en la WWW algunos beneficios.
La Ley De Coordinacion Entre La Justicia Estatal Y La Justicia Comunal: Retos Para La Efectividad Del Art 149º De La Constitucion Politica Del Peru
De: Jorge Fernando Bazan Cerdan | 01/03/2009 | LeyesEn el trabajo se examina el contenido normativo y los alcances interpretativos del artículo 149° de la Constitución Política del Perú de 1993, referido a la denominada jurisdicción especial indígena o jurisdicción comunal, con énfasis en los retos a enfrentar por una futura Ley de Coordinación que establezca y/o reconozca las relaciones o interacciones entre la jurisdicción ordinaria estatal y la jurisdicción comunal, en el contexto del análisis de los límites de un reciente dictamen sobre los Proyecto de Ley Nº 420/2006-CR y 1265/2006-CR, “Ley que desarrolla el artículo 149º de la Constitución, que reconoce la Jurisdicción Especial de las Comunidades Campesinas y Nativas y establece mecanismos de coordinación entre ésta y el Poder Judicial”, que viene siendo debatido en el Congreso de la República del Perú.
La Ley De Coordinacion Entre La Justicia Estatal Y La Justicia Comunal: Retos Para La Efectividad Del Art 149º De La Constitucion Politica Del Peru
De: Jorge Fernando Bazan Cerdan | 01/03/2009 | LeyesEn el trabajo se examina el contenido normativo y los alcances interpretativos del artículo 149° de la Constitución Política del Perú de 1993, referido a la denominada jurisdicción especial indígena o jurisdicción comunal, con énfasis en los retos a enfrentar por una futura Ley de Coordinación que establezca y/o reconozca las relaciones o interacciones entre la jurisdicción ordinaria estatal y la jurisdicción comunal, en el contexto del análisis de los límites de un reciente dictamen sobre los Proyecto de Ley Nº 420/2006-CR y 1265/2006-CR, “Ley que desarrolla el artículo 149º de la Constitución, que reconoce la Jurisdicción Especial de las Comunidades Campesinas y Nativas y establece mecanismos de coordinación entre ésta y el Poder Judicial”, que viene siendo debatido en el Congreso de la República del Perú.
¿Qué Hay Que Hacer Para Cambiar El Humor De Los Mercados?
De: Horacio Pozzo/Latinforme | 07/10/2008 | Otroayer ha marcado nuevos récords en los mercados de valores: las bolsas europeas han tenido su peor día en porcentajes de pérdida y el DJIA ha tenido su peor día en puntos de baja… los inversores no daban abasto para vender, hasta que en la última hora de rueda mejoraron los índices de la bolsa estadounidense. Islandia, Rusia, no hay país que quede fuera de esta vertiginosa debacle de pánico mundial.
Los Angeles, Ca. Atractivo Mercado Inmibiliario Para Inversores Españoles Y Latinoamericanos
De: Luis Pezzini | 05/07/2009 | FinanzasExisten muchos factores que han hecho este mercado norteamericano cada vez mas atractivo para las inversiones extranjeras, dentro de los cuales se destaca la palabra crisis. Como sabeis, de cada mal momento en todos los ordenes de la vida surgen por otro lado y de forma paulatina, grandes oportunidades. A la vez sabemos que se trata de un mercado que ha sabido con llevar a lo largo de toda su rica historia, momentos realmente complicados en lo que fueron las grandes crisis financieras de Wall
Michael Jackson Y La Imponente Mansion Rentada En Bel Air
De: Luis Pezzini | 06/07/2009 | FinanzasCorria el mes de enero de este año y Michael Jackson, el archifamoso cantante conocido como el rey del pop rentaba una lujosa mansion en Bel Air con el proposito de estar mas cerca de la movida, del entretenimiento y las actividades de Hollywood. Según trascendio por esas fechas, la idea de Michael Jackson era proporcionar a sus hijos
Empresarios De México Impulsan El Turismo Con Un Festival De Comida
De: Nicola inwood | 27/07/2009 | Alimentos y bebidas“Taste of Playa” ofrece oportunidades para los lideres de negocios para promover el turismo y apoyar a la comunidad local. 22 julio 2009 , Playa del Carmen, México- Taste of Playa, un nuevo evento culinario que ha sido programado para el 5 de septiembre del 2009, ha llamado la atención del gobierno local y de los empresarios en Playa del Carmen, México para apoyar el incremento de turismo internacional para México y para mantener la economía local.
Investment Essential: What to Look For When Buying a Property
By: Maria | 30/11/2009Buying a property has always been a nerve-racking experience for most people, even for the old timers. The real estate world today may not be as strong as it was a few years ago, but you should not limit yourself into becoming a great investor. All you need are the right timing and the fitting exploration of different properties.
Should You Look for a New Lender?
By: Roby Pagong | 30/11/2009Refinancing your existing loan can be tough. There are several decisions to make. One of them is whether to look for a new lender or not. This is an essential decision you have to consider because this will greatly affect the ease of payments you will have in the future. Either it will make it easier or not. Take your time in making this decision. Consider all the factors before you make your choice.
Watch out for Mortgage Fraud
By: Roby Pagong | 30/11/2009The mortgage is a very attractive market because of the different opportunities it presents. One borrower can provide earnings for lenders, brokers and real estate agents. However, the real estate professionals are not the only people seeing opportunities here. Those with fraudulent plans are also grabbing opportunities in this market. This is why borrowers and homeowners should be careful. They should be aware of the different schemes so that they can avoid it or report it when it happens.
Luxury Property For Sale in Spain
By: Michael J Lee | 30/11/2009Spain is full of luxurious apartments and villas that specifically cater to people with elite taste. These luxurious properties represent the high end of property market in Spain. These properties encompass their own private pool and exclusive lifestyle. They basically cater to the rich and famous. Buying Luxury property is an...
Make Sure You Have the Right Permits When Doing Renovations
By: Roby Pagong | 30/11/2009There are various reasons why homeowners renovate their homes. First, they want to do it to add an extra room at home. It could be a bedroom for their growing child, a guest room for visitors or a home office for the mom and dad. There are also those who do this because they have to. Major repairs have to be done in order for them to live comfortably. Aside from adding or repairing the living space, homeowners also do this because they want to increase the value of their homes.
Advantages of Getting a Home Warranty
By: Roby Pagong | 30/11/2009If you want to sell your house and you want to do it faster, you have to come up with a good strategy. One of the best strategies in selling your home faster is to include one year home warranty. Many sellers are doing this right now and if you want to make a sale right away, it is best that you adapt this strategy. If you don’t, buyers can easily look for another seller who can provide this extra feature. But why do buyers go for those with home warranty? What are the advantages of having it?
Strategies For Selling A Home
By: Allison Clarke | 30/11/2009When it comes to selling a home, you do not have to go through a painful experience. In fact, using the right strategies, this can be an easy and stress free process. The following information will help: Price Negotiation - Keep your mind open when it comes to price...
Is 2009 the Right Time to Buy a Home?
By: Frank Hendrickson | 30/11/2009Without doubt, the current economy and housing market are struggling. The good news is that reports coming out of the National Association of Estate Agents show home buying and selling is improving primarily from improved interest rates, although only slightly. However, seeing an increase in people looking to buy, as...
What Every First Time Investor Should Know about Creating a Lease Agreement
By: Kevin Kiene | 18/07/2008 | Real EstateIt is necessary for real estate investors to have an accurate and legally sound lease agreement that is specific to their state and rental property location. This article explains how you can use the web to create such a lease agreement, and further, will help you find the best website from the multitude of available.
A Guide For Preparing Yourself For Eviction
By: Kevin Kiene | 07/07/2008 | Self HelpDuring this time of recession, "bank owned" signs and eviction notices seem to be everywhere you look. If you are a property manager or landlord, it is especially important to take extra provisions to protect your rental properties so that you don't lose money in the long run. One preventative...
Creating a State Specific Rental Contract Online
By: Kevin Kiene | 25/06/2008 | Real EstateFinding a detailed, complete and state specific rental contract online is so important to a landlords success. This article will show you how to locate and what to look for when choosing your rental contract. There are many resources online to choose from so we will help you pick the best site over all.
Rental Agreement - Discover Your Greatest Asset as a Landlord
By: Kevin Kiene | 26/05/2008 | Real EstateThe convenience of using the internet to create an online lease is highly advantageous to the real estate industry. Landlords now have the ability to locate leasing documents within minutes. This article highlights online lease preparation and the creation of rental agreements.
Why a Good Rental Agreement is Your Best Defense Against a Bad Tenant
By: Kevin Kiene | 23/01/2008 | Real EstateIf you've been in the property management business for more than a few years, you've probably been hit with every landlord's worst nightmare: the bad tenant. No matter how rigorously you screen applicants and check references, one is bound to squeak through sooner or later.
Eviction: Helping The Landlord Make The Right Move At The Right Time
By: Kevin Kiene | 29/10/2007 | Real EstateEviction is one of the biggest nightmares of being a Landlord. The court proceedings can be time consuming, and expensive, and are best evaded if there is any reasonable solution. If a tenant has violated their lease agreement, it's imperative for the landlord to take all measures available in order...
Nice Landlord Or Mean Landlord?
By: Kevin Kiene | 24/10/2007 | Real EstateThe impulse to be overly nice to tenants is one of the most common mistakes made by those who are relatively new to the property management business. It's a completely understandable impulse; nobody wants to be seen as the bad guy, and as the old adage says, you catch more...