Lease about to expire w/my tenant

[Chichi]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida.

I am in Daytona Beach, im the lanlord. My lease with my tenants is due to expire on the 31st of Dec. 2010..... Hence I have spoke to them on re-signing a new lease which they agreed to do. I have brought them the new lease in early Nov.2010 and gave them both my original and their copy to sign. I have not been able to get them to give it to me. I don't want to do month to month. What are my choices here. Can I make them leave if they don't want to give me a new lease? Can I go in and change locks after the 31st of Dec. ? Help??????

Why hasn't anyone responded?

 

[nh_wayne]

This is landlord 101 stuff. No, you can't force them to sign a lease. But you have to be more diligent in your process. It's business. Keep your emotions out of it.

Keeping a tenant is more valuable then trying to get a new one. How are they as tenants? If they pay, then try to keep them. Give them a reason to stay. Meet with them and see if there is a reason they are not re-signing. Don't be afraid to ask questions like, what do you like about living here? What do you not like?

Example, they may want a pet but you won't allow it, or they need more parking or rather pay rent on 15th of each month.. just throwing stuff out there. You may have to sweeten the deal. But having a paying tenant is better then having an empty unit.

Just an idea. Raise rent $50 a month after lease expires. Be nice about it when you tell them in writing. But.. if they sign a new lease you will lock in the current rent rate.

Landlords make the biggest mistake by not simple talking to their tenants and asking them questions. They rather think they need to try the bully approach.

Not sure about your state's law, but most state only a court order and the sheriff are allowed to have locks changed.

 

[strongbus]

1st things 1st DO NOT change the locks you be in a whole lota trouble.

If you don't want to do m2m then write them a letter and send it Certified mail telling them they have till x day to return a signed lease(or if you want a letter telling you why they won't sign it) to you or you will start the steps to have them evicted though the courts.

 

[Chichi]

Lease about to expire w/my tenant.

Thank you for the reply. I will respond to them in that manner....again thanks.

Chichi