I have a tenant in a small SFH in a C- neighborhood that gave notice last month that they would be moving out. Nothing unusual about that. Last week she texted me that she had mostly moved out but had been burglarized and they took her electronics and clothes . I swung by to check to make sure there were no doors kicked in or windows broken. Nope no damage, she said they somehow got in the back door, meaning she probably left it unlocked. She did file a police report.

As I looked closer, there is junk in the backyard, things strewn from someone going through the storage building, and the grass is going to need to be mowed in the next week. While I was there I talked to the neighbor who pretty much lives in his backyard. Apparently, she hasn't been living there for 3-4 months and just stops by on rare occasion, guessing she is living with a new sugar daddy.

I got notice yesterday that she had the utilities turned off but technically she paid rent through the end of the September. I asked her leave the key on the counter and text me when she was out as part of the move-out instructions when she gave notice.

So, I could just let it be and see if she texts me in the next couple of weeks assuming she is going to get the stuff out and mow and clean-up. I could issue a lease violation notice that she needs to mow and pick up the stuff, she might not even see it if she is not going by. Or, I could text and ask her what her intentions are and point out that the grass needs to be mowed.

What would you do in this situation?

Issue the lease violation. Maybe she will state she is out. If so, ask if all her belongings are out. Get everything in writing.

I would text and see what her intentions are about cutting grass and departing time line. Usually I would send a cure or move violation but she has given notice to move and paid September’s rent.

You might want to do a home inspection and see what condition the home is in.

MikeA,

We deliver a move out packet to the house setting expectations which includes cleaning Checklist, A reminder to mow and remove all trash, a reminder that we charge $65 per hour to clean and repair, $100 to mow which is cheaper than the city’s fine If they decide her grass is too tall, and a statement that empty houses attract Vandals and squatters so it is to her advantage to turn over the keys as soon as possible.

We also offer a $100 bonus if they help us get it rented before they are done moving out

AND

Another $100 bonus, if they leave the Home perfectly hotel clean with absolutely nothing for us to do.

We managed to move out with as much involvement as the move-in End it pays off in easier And faster turnovers.

Brad, that is genius (once again) about paying them for a perfectly clean property.

Love Brad's approach!

Our lease states that we can secure the property if it is abandoned and one sign of being abandoned is uncut grass, another is utilities being turned off. The lease is still in force, we simply post a notice with our contact info if the tenant needs access, call us. We still need to send a default notice to end the lease, and in a similar situation we'd see the eviction process through to make it clear we have legal possession.

I am still not a lawyer, check with yours!

If you've been dealing with her on a friendly/cordial basis, I'd call and ask what is going on. Then, you know her intentions ... doesn't mean she is going to follow through but you know what she is thinking. Then, I'd follow up that conversation along with what you require in writing.

What doers your lease say about leaving the utilities on? The good news is this is still summer time.