Landlord Question and Answer Forum

My tenant has a lease that expires on July 31. She decided to only pay 1/2 the rent and leave on the 15th. I did not agree to this, She has moved almost all of her belongings out.According to the lease she signed, she is in breach of her lease for not paying the full amount, So I posted a 3 day pay or vacate on her door, Is she legally allowed to stay until the 15 because she paid 1/2 month or am I able to change locks and clean and prep for re rental after the three day period?

NEVER take it upon yourself to change locks. If you are going through eviction channels and she has not handed the keys over, then you will have to continue to go through the courts in order to evict her. If there is fairly good indication that she has moved, no food in fridge, all belongings moved......you may then start getting the apartment ready for re-renting.

Posted by Donna , NC on Friday, July 9, 2010

She has moved, she left a few items in the apartment, which we placed in the carport , The fridge is empty but there is still some food in the freezer, She left a bunch of old furniture and garbage in the carport, She called the police and they said this is a civil matter. I feel like she has abandoned the property, What more do I need to do?

Posted by Dave T, UT on Saturday, July 10, 2010

Being that you are so close to the end of the lease, I would just let her go. It will cost you much more than what she owes to file for an eviction in money and your time. Of course, if she leaves a bunch of junk, you can take it from her deposit money to pay to have it hauled off. Review the laws and regulations for your state. They are here on this website to download for free.

Posted by Alice B, VA on Saturday, July 10, 2010