When a fixed-term lease ends, the tenant’s right to stay ends with it, and the landlord can recover the property through an unlawful detainer (ejectment) case in the Municipal Trial Court, not by force. Before filing, send a written notice to vacate, check that the lease was not impliedly renewed, and go through barangay conciliation…
No. A Philippine landlord cannot lawfully force out a tenant who refuses to leave without going to court. Article 536 of the Civil Code says a person who believes they have a right to take a thing from its holder “must invoke the aid of the competent court” if the holder refuses to give it…
Quick answer: The landlord is generally responsible for necessary repairs that keep the leased property suitable for its intended use, unless the lease validly provides otherwise. The tenant is responsible for using the property with proper care and may be liable for damage caused by misuse or negligence. The landlord’s general duty Article 1654 of…
Generally, no. While a lease is running, the tenant is the lawful possessor of the unit, and the landlord must “maintain the lessee in the peaceful and adequate enjoyment of the lease for the entire duration of the contract” (Civil Code, Art. 1654(3)). A landlord may enter with the tenant’s consent, as the lease allows,…
Quick answer: Generally, no. In the Philippines, a landlord cannot raise the rent in the middle of a lease on their own unless the lease itself allows it, because a contract “has the force of law between the contracting parties” and its compliance “cannot be left to the will of one of them” (Civil Code,…
When must a security deposit be returned and what can a landlord deduct? Philippine rules on RA 9653 limits, wear and tear, interest and refund disputes.
Quick answer: Nonpayment of rent can support termination and judicial ejectment, but the landlord should document the arrears, make the required demand, and use the proper legal process. The exact rules depend on the lease and whether the residential unit is covered by current rent-control regulation. Nonpayment is a recognized ground for ejectment Article 1673…
A tenant can physically leave before a fixed-term lease ends, but leaving does not automatically erase the tenant’s contractual obligations. Whether rent remains due, the deposit may be applied, or damages may be claimed depends on the lease, the reason for leaving, and whether the landlord also breached the lease. Who is ending the lease?…
A landlord cannot normally end a fixed-term lease early just because the landlord changes their mind. Early termination usually needs a contractual termination ground, a material breach by the tenant, or another legal ground. The exact answer depends on the lease wording and whether special residential rent-control rules apply. Who is ending the lease? I…