What to do when a tenant cuts off the electricity and moved early is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and he is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out the form below.
Dear Landlord Hank,
What to do if tenant has moved out of house and cut off electric prior to lease ending?
Yes, we do have it in their lease that they’re not supposed to… but what should we do?
-Tiffany
Hi Landlady Tiffany,
Most leases have a section or clause concerning Default.
If may say something like: If the tenant abandons or surrenders possession of the premises during the lease term, the landlord may retake possession and make a good faith effort to re-rent it.
Most leases also have a section concerning Utilities, stating that the tenant is responsible for maintaining essential utilities in their name and if the tenant discontinues service this is a default of the lease agreement and the tenant is responsible for all utility charges that are otherwise tenant responsibility under the lease.
That all being said I would reach out to the tenant via phone, text and email and get confirmation they have left the property. Deal with their security deposit legally and with certified notice to the tenant. Once you confirm the tenant is gone and not coming back, I would change the locks and prepare the property for the next tenant.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Editor’s note: Check your local laws on this issue as many cities and states have different rules.
Ask Landlord Hank Your Question
Ask veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi your questions from tenant screening to leases to pets and more! He provides answers each week to landlords.
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Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal.   https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/