"free first month" after breaking lease : ezLandlordForms

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"free first month" after breaking lease

Steve & karen K

started a topic over 11 years ago

I have had many tenants take advantage of the "free first month," only to tell me that they are breaking their lease a month or two later. Do I have the right to make them repay the "free" month beause they didn't complete the year lease?

3 Comments

Dawn A

said over 11 years ago

Don't offer a free first month. Make it a "free month" with a 12-year lease, then give them 1/12 off of each month's rent (hence a "free" month).

Steve & karen K

said over 11 years ago

Good idea. Maybe half off the first and last? Or half off the last two months??? Thanks for your advice!

Dawn A

said over 11 years ago

I think it's best to spread out the "free" month over 12 months. Then if they leave, you will have lost as little as possible. Or, what would be better is to not offer anything free at all. If you're willing to give away hundreds of dollars for free, why not lower the monthly rent a little bit if that's the only way to get tenants? I personally have NEVER given away a free month.