So, I’ve got tenants in California who are trying to break their 3-month lease early. There were a couple of issues (garage door motor replacement and a mold inspection that’s being handled next week). They’ve been sending me demanding emails and are claiming ‘safety’ issues, but the mold inspector said there’s no toxic risk. I’m not sure if I should tell them that directly in an email though—it could come back to bite me later. Also, their lease has a subletting clause if I approve it. I was thinking of letting them sublet as long as they’re still liable and cover any costs. Anyone dealt with this before? Any advice?
Sounds tricky. Honestly, I’d avoid mentioning anything about the mold not being toxic. Tenants might use it against you.
Pierce said:
Sounds tricky. Honestly, I’d avoid mentioning anything about the mold not being toxic. Tenants might use it against you.
Good point. I was leaning toward keeping it vague. Maybe just confirm it’s being addressed and leave it at that?
Pierce said:
Sounds tricky. Honestly, I’d avoid mentioning anything about the mold not being toxic. Tenants might use it against you.
Yeah, just stick to saying you’re handling it. Don’t give them ammo to twist your words.
Letting them sublet sounds fair. Keeps you covered while giving them an out.
Remington said:
Letting them sublet sounds fair. Keeps you covered while giving them an out.
That’s what I was thinking. As long as they’re still on the hook for the lease, it works for me.
Remington said:
Letting them sublet sounds fair. Keeps you covered while giving them an out.
What’s the process for approving subletters in your lease? Might help you make the decision easier.
What did the tenants mean by ‘fire hazard violations’? That’s super vague.
Sky said:
What did the tenants mean by ‘fire hazard violations’? That’s super vague.
IDK, they didn’t specify. Just feels like they’re grasping for excuses to get out of the lease.
Sky said:
What did the tenants mean by ‘fire hazard violations’? That’s super vague.
Might be worth asking them to clarify. If they can’t back it up, you’ve got that in writing.
Whatever you do, get everything in writing. Cover yourself legally.
Blake said:
Whatever you do, get everything in writing. Cover yourself legally.
Absolutely. I’m sticking to email replies only for that reason.
Blake said:
Whatever you do, get everything in writing. Cover yourself legally.
Smart move. Paper trails save you in case they escalate things.
Do they have any proof the mold or garage door issues are a health/safety risk? If not, I wouldn’t sweat it.
Lennie said:
Do they have any proof the mold or garage door issues are a health/safety risk? If not, I wouldn’t sweat it.
They don’t, and the inspector said there’s no real danger. Still, they’re making a big deal out of it.
Lennie said:
Do they have any proof the mold or garage door issues are a health/safety risk? If not, I wouldn’t sweat it.
Then they don’t have much of a case. Just stick to facts in your replies.