The Surprising Consequences of Tenant Breakups

As a landlord, tenant breakups are an inevitable part of the rental business. Whether it's a couple going separate ways or roommates having a falling out, it's a situation that we all dread. But have you ever experienced any unexpected outcomes from tenant breakups that caught you off guard? I know I have.

In this blog post, I'm going to share with you some of the surprising consequences I've encountered as a landlord when dealing with tenant breakups.

1. A Battle Over Furniture
   One of the most common things that happen after a tenant breakup is a dispute over who gets what. Even though you might have clearly stated in the lease agreement that the property belongs to you, it doesn't stop tenants from fighting over furniture, appliances, and other personal items. I once had a pair of tenants who broke up, and the girlfriend demanded that I remove the sectional sofa from the apartment because it was hers. When I told her that the sofa was part of the furnishings I provided, she insisted that she bought it and had the receipt to prove it. It turned out that she did buy a sofa, but it was from a different store and had a different color. Lesson learned: make sure to take an inventory of the items you furnish in your rental unit and attach it to the lease agreement.
2. An Unexpected Roommate
   When one half of a roommate duo decides to move out after a breakup, you might think that it would be an easy transition to find a new tenant to take their place. But what happens when the remaining roommate decides to move in with their new significant other, without your permission? I've had this happen to me, and it was a nightmare. The new roommate didn't sign the lease agreement, and I had no legal grounds to remove them from the property. Plus, their presence made the original tenant feel uncomfortable, resulting in them breaking the lease and moving out. Moral of the story: always make sure to screen potential tenants and have them sign the lease agreement.
3. A Trashed Apartment
   Breakups can be messy, especially when emotions run high. I once had a couple who broke up, and the ex-girlfriend decided to take her anger out on the apartment. She broke windows, punched holes in walls, and even set fire to the curtains. The damage was so severe that I had to do a complete renovation of the unit. Of course, the security deposit didn't come close to covering the cost of repairs. To prevent this from happening, make sure to conduct regular inspections of your rental units, and address any issues before they escalate.
4. Unpaid Rent
   Breakups can cause financial strain on both parties and sometimes the rent becomes the least of their worries. I've had tenants who broke up in the middle of their lease, leaving one of them unable to pay their share of the rent. Unfortunately, the lease agreement doesn't differentiate between the two tenants, so if one doesn't pay, it's the responsibility of the other. This can result in late payments or even non-payment, which can be difficult to recoup. To avoid this, consider adding a clause to the lease agreement that requires both tenants to be jointly and severally liable for rent payments.
5. The Silver Lining
   Despite all of the negative consequences that can come with tenant breakups, there is a silver lining. Sometimes, a tenant breakup can result in a better tenant or a higher rent. I once had a couple who broke up, but the remaining tenant decided to renew the lease under their name. They were responsible, paid rent on time, and kept the apartment clean. Plus, they were willing to pay a higher rent because they loved the apartment and didn't want to give it up. So, even though tenant breakups can be stressful and unpredictable, there is always the potential for a positive outcome.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, tenant breakups can be challenging to navigate as a landlord. From disputes over furniture to unpaid rent and property damage, many unexpected consequences can arise. However, by taking steps to prepare and protect yourself when tenants break up, you can minimize the impact of these situations. Remember to always screen potential tenants, clearly define the terms of the lease agreement, and conduct regular inspections. And who knows, you might even be surprised by a silver lining.