Landlord Question and Answer Forum

A couple signed a 1 year lease agreement starting Nov. 1 2014. They broke up and the guy moved out and the girl cant afford it and she is willingly moving out this weekend (Nov 30 2014). The lease requires 30 day notice plus the agreement was for 1 year. Can I keep the security deposit as lost income for decembers rent. As I will be lucky to get someone moved in by the end of the month. If I get someone in there say December 15th, do I need to prorate my losses and give them some of their security deposit back? I feel like I should be able to keep the security deposit for breaking our agreement. Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Yes you are entitled to keep the security because they are breaking the lease and you will need that to cover the 30 days that you properly did not get. Technically you may be able to hold them accountable for every month that the property is empty if you want to keep on them for it.

Posted by Derrick D, PA on Wednesday, November 26, 2014

What sort of documentation do I need to keep in case they come back at me? She mentioned that during their break up she called the cops. That's all she told me, do I need to treat that as a domestic violence case? If it is a domestic violence case do I need to give her half of the security deposit back or the full security deposit? Can I keep the guys half seems he took off and has not returned any of my e-mails or calls. Thanks.

Posted by Jeremy s, NV on Wednesday, November 26, 2014