Early termination of lease : ezLandlordForms

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Mike G

started a topic about 9 years ago

We had a renter move out early. What is allowable by law for a early termination fee ? And can that be taken out of the security deposit? This is in Brazos County Texas. Also what is reasonable for a light bulb replacement fee?

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Bill F

said about 9 years ago

Read over your lease, if it allows the tenant to terminate early. If it does you can only charge what is actually needed to rent out to new tenants. If your lease does not allow early termination, than you can charge until your lease ends or you get a new tenant, which ever happens first. I usually make an attempt to re-rent. Once I do, I tally up all the missed rent, damages, and any other expenses, deduct from the security deposit, send a settlement statement. If there is a refund, that is sent, if not, a bill for amount owing is sent. If no response, I take it to small claims court for amount owing. Make sure you document everything as well! I hope this helps! Good luck

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David D

said almost 9 years ago

Light bulb replacement fee? Really? I doubt any judge would allow you to charge to replace a light bulb unless it's a very SPECIAL and expensive light. It's just normal wear and tear so I wouldn't bother. As far as the early move out. Even in states like PA, which do not state any requirements that a landlord must take to re-rent, if you go in front of any judge they will EXPECT you to mitigage the damages charged to your ex-tenant. Therefore, you need to start the procedure you normally use to get a new tenant. AND keep extra records because if you end up in court, you need to show that you did everything you normally would do to obtain a new tenant. In other words, you cannot just sit back and WAIT and assume you can charge it to the ex-tenant. IF you can prove that you started marketing right away and show a list of prospective tenants who saw the property (I always have a sign in sheet that they fill out with name/phone number etc in case a judge would want to see/call)?. You need a record book showing who saw it and why they DID NOT take the place. (again a judge COULD call to find out if you are being honest). IF indeed it takes 60 or 90 days to re-rent and you have evidence to this, you absolutely can small claims court your ex-tenants for any difference after keeping the security deposit. (assuming of course you can find them lol). ALSO - make certain that you email your tenant a letter explaing why they are not getting their security deposit refunded and a list of all damages (including rental arrears) within your state specific time line (30 days here in PA). If you fail to send this letter to your ex-tenant you may be liable for the security deposit refund and fines. (Again, here in PA it's twice the security deposit). Google your state landlord/tenant act and read it. I never offer a lease that allows early termination...not sure what advantage it offers to a landlord???? And if early termination is allowed it would (should) be stated CLEARLY in the lease. If you do not have an early termination fee stated in the lease I doubt you can charge anything. (You can't just make up a FEE amount after the fact). As I write all the time - find a R.E. Attorney. Most allow a 30-60 minute free consultation. Tell them you want to establish a relationship with them for questions and concerns from time to time. It's well worth spending $75 for a 15 minute phone call on occassion.

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Adrien L

said about 7 years ago

When a contract is broken in Indiana, the other party cannot hold you responsible for any more money than they actually lost from the lease being broken. The tenant is responsible for the rent until the landlord finds a new tenant or until the lease ends, whichever comes first. So if you charge an early termination fee and then find new tenants the next week, it would be like you are scamming the tenant. So no it is not a good practice to charge an early termination fee.

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Adrien L

said almost 7 years ago

I would still mutually terminate but not require a fee if you want to release the tenant. Most states have a law that require tenant pay rent until the end of the lease term, or until landlord finds new tenant. whichever comes first. If you both want to mutually terminate, i would use the form provided on this website and just completely remove the termination fee from the form.

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Mary D

said about 6 years ago

I agree with Adrien totally.

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Patrisia T

said almost 6 years ago

How many days do I give a tenant to remove teh inoperable vehicle

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Scott H

said almost 6 years ago

Yes, she needs to pay for the 60days notice and the $1600 is what is paid to relieve her of any further obligation under the lease. You can also tell her that if she needs to move out early and she returns possession to you that if you find a new tenant to move it before that 60 days is up you will return a the prorated difference.

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Jahfwkwi J

said over 5 years ago

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Jahfwkwi J

said over 5 years ago

20