I have a good tenant who is transferring out of state and wants out of the lease 6 months early (of a 12 month lease) This would leave me trying to lease the apartment in January in Wisconsin. Can anyone provide any advice? Thanks, Tom

You tell the tenant that he is liable for the balance of the 6 months but you will give him back any balance if you rent the apartment. What are the chances you will rent it in 1-2 months?

There are no legal grounds to let him out of the lease. Tell him he will be responsible for the balance of the lease until you can find a new tenant.

Many times, when a company transfers an employee, they will buy out the lease as part of a relocation program. So ask for 3 months rent to buy out the lease. That gives you 3 months to find a new tenant.

Does your lease with him allow him to sublet?

You have to decide from the business side, and from the personal side. Normally if I have had a good renter, who has leased several years, I allow them out but they lose their deposit and costs them one additional month rent.

But it is your option as to what you want to do, I normally try to be nice and work with good renters. I think doing good will return to you.

But legally he has to pay you rent till you find a new renter.