Posted by Terry (Houston) on June 27, 2001 at 21:50:49:
If they “Vacate” in the middle of the night, read Skip Town, you may reenter the house and rent it back out.
If you don’t have that, to my understanding, you should go through the eviction process. Could be wrong on this though.
If you don’t have this clause they could say they went out of town for the weekend, with everything, and charge you with trespassing. Or say you have no right to re-rent the dwelling.
The last part basically means if they let their friends or anyone not on the lease “use” the place after skipping out you can give them the boot as well.
Then, since they are in breach of contract you can go after them for a judgment after you release the place for monies owed.
Bronchick is doing a great CYA here so you don’t have to go through the courts if they skip out, you have the right of reentry. You may want to document the condition of the place for another CYA with pictures.
This is my understanding, but be sure and get to know the laws in your state.
Terry