Need a landlord's perspective...

[moynihan1129]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY
I am looking to terminate my lease early due to a home purchase under my company's relocation program. It is in the same area, they have just given me a bonus to cover a down payment and are picking up the tab on my closing costs. My landlord is rather strict about his leases and verbally told me that he likes his leases to expire the same time each year. Based on the initial conversation I had with him he seems like he would prefer to leave the house vacant until the lease expires and then find new tenants. What I want to know is how you, as a landlord, would react to the following early lease termination letter before I send it to my landlord.

Dear Landlord

I am writing you to inform you that I wish to terminate my lease for the property at 434 Street town,NY early as I am purchasing a home under my employer’s relocation program. I will be completely moved out of the property by the end of the day January 21, 2009.

I realize that I am under obligation in the lease agreement to pay you rent through the end of June. I also realize that in order for you to receive rent through June, a reasonable effort to re-rent the property must be made.

As an act of good faith and to help mitigate any financial loss to both you, and myself I have, at my own expense, advertised and shown the apartment to potential renters. I know per our verbal conversations that you like the lease on this specific property to expire each year at the end of June. I have found tenants whose information I have included with this letter that meet your basic requirements for a tenant. They are ok with the current rate of rent that I am paying. They have the credit score you require, reviewed your lease and are ok with taking over my lease until the end of June and either renewing for July 09-June 2010 or signing a new lease now that expires in June of 2010. They would be willing to move in February 1, 2009. If these tenants do in fact seem suitable to you, I can move out into my new home and your property will continue to be rented through the lease term without a single day of vacancy.



Sincerely,

 

[Gail in Georgia]

As a landlord, I'd be impressed that you did all of this (because, of course, this often doesn't happen).

On the other hand, you have much to gain taking this route since, if you broke the lease you'd still be responsible for the rent until 1. the unit was rerented or 2. your lease ended.

How has your landlord responded to this?

Gail

 

[moynihan1129]

As a landlord, I'd be impressed that you did all of this (because, of course, this often doesn't happen).

On the other hand, you have much to gain taking this route since, if you broke the lease you'd still be responsible for the rent until 1. the unit was rerented or 2. your lease ended.

How has your landlord responded to this?

Gail

I am sending it out tomorrow. I was trying to get some feedback / suggestions before I do.

 

[BL]

You had feedback here .

https://forum.freeadvice.com/landlord-tenant-issues-42/lease-termination-442863.html

You should keep the subject to the original post , buy replying .

That will bring the thread back up toward the top .

 

[Alaska landlord]

I give you a thumbs up, but don't be to surprised if they are still rejected. There are other considerations that the landlord may take into fact that are not always on the application.

Example; Though it is illegal to discriminate against renters with children, there are factors such as how many people will be living there. Other factors are how much wear and tear to his property he can expect due to the increase in the number of occupants. Occupation can be another factor that may affect his decision. I could think of half of dozen more, but I suspect some of the tenants on the forum will pass out in horror.

 

[moynihan1129]

I give you a thumbs up, but don't be to surprised if they are still rejected. There are other considerations that the landlord may take into fact that are not always on the application.

Example; Though it is illegal to discriminate against renters with children, there are factors such as how many people will be living there. Other factors are how much wear and tear to his property he can expect due to the increase in the number of occupants. Occupation can be another factor that may affect his decision. I could think of half of dozen more, but I suspect some of the tenants on the forum will pass out in horror.

The people I live are basically in the same situation (except his spouse isn't pregnant). The guy works for the came company as me. His girlfriend's father rents a property from the same landlord and has for over 5 years. They are going to let me know tomorrow for sure if they want it, but if they do, things may be looking good. It is suprising though that there are certain people calling to look at a small 2 bedroom apartment with 5 kids and say they will all share a room...not exactly the tenants my landlord would go for (cant blame him there). I would hate to be one of those children

 

[Alaska landlord]

I see it all the time. People ask for a 3 bdrm but are willing to take a 1 bdrm. That's why a raised the question.