Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Virginia
Terminating lease agreement OK when selling?
If I sell my condo, can I legally ask the tenant to vacate the property even though his lease does not expire until next year? What if I need to move back into the place? Is there any way to get him out? He has been a great tenant, but due to unforseen circumstances I may have to sell or move back into it. I can ask if he would just leave, but I doubt he would do that as he originally wanted a 4-year lease. Just seeing what my legal options are.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Terminating lease agreement OK when selling?
NO, both parties are bound by the lease. Unless you get them to reach a new agreement, you must follow the lease just as much as they do.
Now, that assumes there is nothing in the lease that specifically addresses this situation.
Re: Terminating lease agreement OK when selling?
A lease is a contract. You cannot unilaterally end a contract with out cause, and that apparently does not exist here. You might offer to "buy" him out for an agreed upon sum.