A Landlord had a tenant in her Florida condo with a lease expiring on 2/28/22. The Landlord was 88 and in her final stage of life. Death occured on 3/17/22. Landlord was not able or willing to sign lease renewal--even under pressure by agent.
Tenant had an addendum A--stating:
Owner and tenant agree that the tenant will have the option to renew the lease for an additional year with the rental amount to increase no more than $100.00 per month.
Trustees of landlords estate gave tenant a "Notice to vacate." It was mailed on 4/4/22, and received 4/11/22 certified mail. We offered 60-90 days to vacate so as to accommodate tenant adequate time to vacate.
The condo is in a trust with Co-Trustees. The Trustees are Certified. Tenant has obtained legal counsel to enforce addendum. She believes addendum guarantees lease renewal, thought the intent was to lock-in a minimal rent increase, due to the fact the comparable condos rent for $5,000.00/mo, not $3,000.00.
Tenant had option to renew, and rent increase was not negotiable, but capped at an, "increase of no more than $100.00 per month". Landlord did not renew lease. Trustees need to sell asset to settle estate taxes due 1/17/23.
Does Addendum A legally force & bind the estate trust to sign a lease against the better judgment of Trustees?
