Tenants want to terminate lease before moving after finding mold

[littleMike]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MA

My tenants and I signed a 12-month lease earlier this month. Before moving they told me they want to terminate lease because they found some mold under the kitchen sink. I told them this is fixable. But they still want to terminate lease and ask all paid money back including 1st, last month and security deposit back. Is there a legal base this money should be paid back?

Thanks.
L.M.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Nope.

Mildew (and this is what this likely is) is easily taken care of. For pete's sake, the stuff isn't going to crawl out from under the sink one night and consume them like the 1950's move THE BLOB. There is NO legal reason for them to terminate the lease.

Make certain this does not represent an active leak under the sink; if so, repair this, address the mold and remind the tenants they have a SIGNED LEGAL CONTRACT with you.

Unless you believe you are dealing with a couple of PITA tenants in which case your life might simply be easier without them.

Gail

 

[Ohiogal]

Question: did the check clear the bank?

 

[littleMike]

Thanks both of your feedback.
I did clear the check.