How would you word this OR would you be offended?

DramaGeek

We have a rental house.  For the past 2 years, we've had the same renters.  They're on a year long contract.  Last year when it was time to renew the husband mentioned that the house was starting to be a little small for them, but they renewed for another year.  We have a feeling they may decide not to renew this year.

Since they are on a year long lease they are under no obligation to give us 30 days notice.  We'd like to politely ask that they let us know about renewing or not 30 days prior to the end of their lease.  Like I said, they are not obligated, but it would definitely help us.  If we don't find out until the day their lease is up that they aren't renewing, then we're in a really tough spot.

Is there any way we can word a letter in a way that asks that they let us know ASAP without coming across as rude?  Would you be offended if your landlord asked you for this favor?

bourgehm

I would not be offended AT ALL. I have no idea how to word a letter though. Just wanted to say I wouldn't be offended.

iamjoesgurl

I would not be offended if you were my landlord and you asked me.  If they are looking for another place, they would know by now, right?  I think if you wrote them a note saying something like the following, it seems like they would be okay with it.

Dear (Names),

Last year when you renewed your lease, you mentioned that your family might be starting to outgrow the house.  Since the year is almost up and we are approaching the possible extension of your lease, we were wondering if you have made any decisions about whether you might be staying for another year or possibly moving on.  We understand that you are under no obligation to give us notice of what you are planning to do.  But given the state of the economy, we just thought that we would ask if you might know what you'll be doing in the event that we may need to find new tenants.  If you have made a decision, we'd love it if you could let us know.

Sincerely,

(Your Names)

sister2groom

If my landlord was a decent landlord, I would have no problem with the letter IamJoesgurl suggested. I would almost definitely respond because I would hope the landlord would in return be not nit-picky with the security deposit, you know, like not catalog every tiny scuffmark on the front door, or one small nail hole (although I'm not saying that's what you would have to do.)

DramaGeek

lol sister2groom, I almost included that I think we've been decent landlords!

Thankfully I've got some time to figure out how to word this letter.  Their lease is up May 31, and I'd like to get them the letter and the new lease April 15ish.  Would the following be ok?

Dear TENANTS,

We are approaching the end of your lease.  Enclosed please find your new lease, which will run Jun 1, 2011 through May 31 2012.  Please note the changes in sections X, Y and Z.  Rent will once again be $950 for the year.

In light of previous conversations, we would greatly appreciate knowing whether you will be renewing by May 10.  While you are under no obligation to give us notice, it would be a great help to us in re-renting the home.  If you choose not to renew, we'll be happy to be references for you in finding a new place and will be sure to schedule showings of the us at least 48 hours in advance.

Thank you,
LANDLORDS

mrandmrsbrist

I think your mock up is great. And I would not be offended by that.

BrideToBeBecauseHeLovesMe

I wouldn't be offended by it at all - it sounds like you worded it great and you're a great landlord.    Nice work.

sister2groom

Looks good, but one thing, I assume you mean $950 PER MONTH, for the next year (cause if not, I need to move!)

DramaGeek

good catch!  Yes, $950 per month for the year.  I think my brain got ahead of my fingers on that one!

kalizoomba

I wouldn't be offended at all - but I think I want $950 a year! Where do you live, I'll come there!!

The only way I might be offended is if I wasn't planning on moving - then I got this letter - I might think the landlord is trying to get rid of me for someone else.

naomikb

I think it's totally reasonable, and I wouldn't at all be offended.

I think the conversation/letter depends on your relationship with them.  We also rent out our basement to a tenant, and with our tenant I think just a brief conversation when we run into him outside the house would be more appropriate than a formal letter.  But that depends on your situation - and if you're not there often, then a letter makes more sense.

azdancer8

I think it's perfectly acceptable. Every rental I've ever been in has given me a letter with renewal information about 60 days before the lease would be up (the only exception was my last rental, but I extended the original lease and gave them basically 3 months notice of my move out.)

AshNoel8

Not sure how to word it- but try to be honest and kind. I would not be offended at all, as long as the landlords were nice about it.