Let's here some ideas to get some money out of a tenant who left before their lease was up. I am trying to get them to pay 2 months rent - they still owe for 6 months. This is an college rental apartment and I have several other vacant units. It is extremely unlikely I will find a tenant. In the past I have had no luck at all so I am looking for ideas. I will call them and also email them and offer 2 months rent paid now and I let them out of the lease. Basically I am looking for ideas to get them to consider this option.

1) Do you know where they are (forwarding address)? If not, can you get it by offering to provide them something?

2) Are they collectible?

If the answer is "No" to those questions, stop now and do not pass GO. The time and hassle aint worth it.

If the answer is 'Yes', then send them an offer for an Early Lease Termination fee.

Something like this: "Mr. Tenant, I'm going to have to continue charging you rent until I find another tenant to take your place. Moving out doesn't end a lease, so this is still your obligation to us. Finding someone new could take awhile and in the meantime you're still responsible for the rent, the utilities, our advertising expenses, and any damages that occur to the property because you are still under your lease with us regardless of whether you are living there or not. Would you rather just pay a flat fee of only (insert ETF $) to be released from all obligations?"

Give them a choice. If they fail to follow through and you have "YES" answers to the first two questions, then serve papers and it's time for court.

I'd start with the full amount and then offer for a limited time pay this discounted amount (maybe calculate the % too) but give a firm deadline, after which you will initiate collection proceedings, etc..

If it's a student that graduated then I would let them know you will have to take them to court to get a judgement which will show up on their permanent record affecting things like future employment and ability to rent. Or, they can sign a settlement agreement and begin paying $xx per month until paid off to avoid the recorded judgement.

Have you filled for the none payment of rent? have a court date? have a judgment for the 2 months owed? Have the keys back yet?

Opposite of others thinking -- we as Landlords need to file and get on record deadbeats. I don't care if they can never be collected from. We LL's have let these people use us for door mats and no consequences.

While it's probably true that co-signers are not the greatest option, I did have success with one. Tenants moved out, gave proper notice, but left a MESS of the house. I calculated damages at $6,200. After deducting SD they owed $5,100. I sent requests for payment but they ignored. I then filed suit, they ignored all communications. I then suggested to my attorney that we include the co-signer (his mom) on the lawsuit...he agreed. On the day before the court date, the mother walked into my attorney's office and handed him a check for $5,100. She said she didn't want her name dragged through the mud in court and she would be "having a talk" with her son.

Hoosier-