Beginner Question: Can Lanlord and Tenets Change a Lease?

[ColonelCash]

Simple question, hopefully there is a simple answer. If a landlord and a tenet agreed upon a term lease (12 months) is there any way to void that contract and sign a new one if both parties are OK with the changes?

For instance, I'd like to change from term lease to a M2M auto-renew. We just signed the contract a few days back, but the tenets are not looking like someone who will make it the full 12 months. :(

If I'm stuck, so be it. I'll just take this one as learning bump. If I could change, it would be nice so I can give them to boot after another big screaming match breaks out...or they have 6 cars in the drive all weekend when only 2 people should be living there (according to the original lease).

Sadly, the 2 girls work for a law firm, so I might be in a whole heap of trouble by even considering this.

Thank you!!

[haynesm]

Did your lease have any clause in it where you mentioned things could be changed if both parties agree? Besides if you both agree, and you have it in writing, I would think you would be fine. Not a lawyer here but when my renters ask for changing payment from monthly to weekly, I had them write me a request to do that and presto - it was done.

[Debbie]

Simple question, hopefully there is a simple answer. If a landlord and a tenet agreed upon a term lease (12 months) is there any way to void that contract and sign a new one if both parties are OK with the changes?

For instance, I'd like to change from term lease to a M2M auto-renew. We just signed the contract a few days back, but the tenets are not looking like someone who will make it the full 12 months. :(

If I'm stuck, so be it. I'll just take this one as learning bump. If I could change, it would be nice so I can give them to boot after another big screaming match breaks out...or they have 6 cars in the drive all weekend when only 2 people should be living there (according to the original lease).

Sadly, the 2 girls work for a law firm, so I might be in a whole heap of trouble by even considering this.

Thank you!!

Yep, you sure can! But do make sure that you create 3 copies of the letter indicating change of lease. Make them sign and initial (if more than one page) on each copies. Don't just get their signatures and initials and then make copies. You also sign each of the three copies.

This way, should it come up in court, it'd be awfully hard for the tenant to claim that the wordings of the letter has been altered (via xerox) because you didn't make any copies after said signatures/initials.

May I suggest that when you create the letter, let us see it before you arrange a meeting with the girls. This way, if there's error(s), we can help advise you.

[SlumLordMike]

You can absolutely change the lease if the tenants are willing to do it. Debbie has some good ideas, although I would be quite comfy with a new lease, signed by all, with a new date, and a final entry like "this dated contract supersedes all previous". Done it many times :)


Further, Tim is also on target in suggesting that the county/city may already may have laws in place that prohibit your tenant turning your castle into a car lot.

I'd like to see your lease agreement before flapping my lips too much, but in my leases, I stipulate that every adult in the home must be on the lease; otherwise that is a breach of contract. i.e. eviction capable.

Do your homework (we'll help ya) before you tip your hand. This doesn't look like a hard situation to deal with. If you want them out, you must illustrate just cause. No big deal. Keep us posted.

[ColonelCash]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll post a copy of my lease tonight when I get home from work.

[Dan Auito]

Thanks Colonel!