Make them stay or let them go?

We as managers represent owners with all types of rental property. When moving in a new tenant there are several move in protocols to follow. Homepointe performs a solo move in inspection prior to a tenant taking possession. A two page inspection form is completed and digital pictures are taken. The tenant is given an amend sheet to fill out and return within a week to document the property from their perspective. Sometimes after taking possession a new tenant may discover issues they cannot live with. Older property in particular may have any number of issues that some people are ok with and others are not.

What do you do if they want out of the lease? There are options. First may be to speak to them to see if any thing can be realistically remedied quickly. Second may be to remind them of the binding contract and the costs associated with breaking a lease. Third is to speak to the owner and inform them of the situation. Informing the owner of all options and consequences can make the next decision easier: Do you make them stay or let them go? Obviously this is a case by case situation. Lots of factors go into this decision. Ultimately, if they are going to be miserable in the property they are going to make everybody miserable while they are in the property. If you let them out of the lease and it is done quickly and cleanly....charging them probably is not worth it. If you are confident the home is habitable and they are just overly picky...probably they should stay or be charged if they leave. Breaking leases for insufficient reason is costly: you may charge them for the cost to place them (lease fee), rent until it either rents again or the lease expires, advertisement costs and even a rekey.

Sincerely,

James Safonov

Property Manager

jsafonov@homepointe.com

Homepointe Property Management

1220 Melody Lane #110

Roseville, CA 95678

T: 916.781.7075 F: 916.781.7095

www.homepointe.com