Dundee, MI asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Indiana

Q: I have been renting my house to the same people for five years .We have not had a lease for 4 years I want to sell

I would like to sell my home there is no lease I have people interested in looking at the home . The people that rent it from me are military contractors and house trainees in it .I never go in the house without speaking to them first .I have approached them and told them I am wanting to sell and may have to show the house .They are paid a month ahead and take great care of the house but I just need to sell it.I plan to schedule showing it when the trainees are gone for the day how much notice should I give and what is my obligation if and when selling.

1 Lawyer Answer
Ben F Meek III
Ben F Meek III
Answered

A: Under most, if not all, states' laws, your tenants are month-to-month tenants. This most likely means that you can terminate the lease upon giving them 30 days' notice in writing. As for showing the house, it sounds like they are good tenants and easy to get along with, so you can probably just work that out with them. Tell them that you may need to get in the house on short notice and work something out with them where they can either be there or just be ok with the knowledge that you'll be there. If you have to force the issue, you're still operating under the terms of the last signed lease agreement. Its provisions regarding entering the house should still apply. Often that is 24 hours' notice or immediately, in the case of an emergency, but check the lease terms. Still, it's usually best just to talk with them and work it out on a friendly basis rather than to have to resort to the lease terms. Good luck.

PS: My comments here are for general information only and are not legal advice on your specific situation, nor do they create and attorney-client relationship between us. Contact a lawyer in your state for specific legal advice.

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