Quiz: Should You Renew Your Tenant’s Lease?

Instructions: Choose the answer that best reflects your situation. Tally your points at the end.

Scoring:

  • A = 1 point
  • B = 2 points
  • C = 3 points
  • D = 4 points

1. How has your tenant’s payment history been?
A) Always on time
B) One or two late payments
C) Frequent delays
D) Missed or partial payments

2. How well is the tenant caring for your property?
A) Like it’s their own
B) Generally respectful
C) Some concerns
D) It’s deteriorated noticeably

3. Have you received any complaints from neighbors or HOA about the tenant?
A) None at all
B) Once or twice
C) A few times
D) Ongoing issues

4. How would you describe communication with the tenant?
A) Friendly and prompt
B) Adequate
C) Occasionally frustrating
D) Difficult or non-existent

5. Are you prepared for the cost of vacancy if they move out (mortgage, utilities, lost rent)?
A) It’s minimal or covered
B) I can manage it short-term
C) It would strain my finances
D) I can’t afford a long vacancy

6. How much would you need to spend fixing the place up for a new tenant?
A) Practically nothing
B) Minor cosmetic updates
C) A few thousand dollars
D) A full refresh or renovation

7. Could you raise the rent if you brought in a new tenant today?
A) Not really—it’s at market rate
B) Maybe $50–$100
C) Yes, a noticeable increase
D) Yes, I’m currently undercharging

8. Do you think the tenant would sign a longer-term lease if offered?
A) Definitely
B) Probably
C) Not sure
D) I doubt it

9. Does keeping this tenant offer peace of mind?
A) Yes—they’re reliable and easy
B) Mostly
C) Not really
D) No—I’m always worried

10. Would you like to speak to a local expert to review market rent or lease renewal strategy?
A) No, I’ve got this
B) Maybe
C) Yes, a second opinion would help
D) Absolutely—I want sound advice


 Score Breakdown:

Total Points: out of 40

  • 10–19 points: Renew with confidence.
    You’ve got a solid tenant. Renewing their lease likely saves you time, money, and stress—especially when turnover costs and vacancy risks are high.
  • 20–29 points: Time to weigh the pros and cons.
    Your tenant is okay, but not ideal. Consider the cost of a vacancy vs. potential rent increase. A lease with terms that protect you could be a smart compromise.
  • 30–40 points: Renewal might not be worth it.
    The signs point to a stressful or underperforming situation. Fix-up costs and turnover may sting, but finding a better tenant (or raising rent) could make it worthwhile. Speak with a local expert to make the smoothest move.

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Anne-Marie McCormack
Anne-Marie McCormack

Anne-Marie McCormack has been a Florida licensed Real Estate Broker since 1996. She has worked as a realtor in property management, rentals and sales in Kissimmee, Davenport, and Orlando, Florida since 1991.

She heads the team at McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes and has lots of experience with long-term and short-term rentals and sales. . Anne-Marie owned and operated a short-term-rental, property management company from 1994-2004. Since then McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes has focused on long-term rentals and sales of residential, investment homes and vacation homes also known as holiday lets.

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