SNL star Kenan Thompson in legal battle with former landlord after allegedly breaking lease

A former landlord for Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson is not laughing after the actor allegedly broke a lease on a Los Angeles property.  

Thompson, 47, is being sued by a landlord for more than $34,390 after he allegedly terminated a year-long lease on a rental property in Los Angeles and abandoned his 'obligations under the lease', according to documents obtained by The Daily Mail. 

According to the documents, the lease he agreed to to stated Thompson would still be responsible for rent until a tenant filled his vacancy, a clause the lawsuit says is 'consistent with California law.' Thompson also agreed to terminate the lease once a replacement had been found in subsequent documents.

The lawsuit alleges Thompson broke the contract not long after signing a 12-month lease that was set to begin October 1, 2025. 

The landlord claims he refused Thompson's request to end the lease early, meaning the comedian would still have to pay the rent. 

Thompson's monthly rent was $10,250, and a replacement tenant was found to reside on the property for the remaining nine months for a rate of $8,500 a month.

In December, Thompson allegedly agreed to terminate the lease through his counsel and that the landlord could still 'seek all past or future damages.' 

'Through his counsel, agreed that the lease could be terminated to allow re-leasing, but that any such termination would preserve Plaintiff's right to seek all past or future damages, including all lost rent and rental shortfall,' the documents state. 

Thompson allegedly did not pay the pro-rated rent due for the month of November along with the full amount for December and now owes $17,425 or past rent.

He also owes as $15,750 to make up for the difference in the decreased rent the new tenant is now paying for the next nine months, according to the landlord. 

In addition, the landlord is seeking a $871 late free from Thompson, a $9,594 broke fee, and $1,000 for 'legal fees recoverable under the lease.'

In total, the landlord wants to recover $34,390 from Thompson, which includes the deduction of the $10,250 security deposit paid for by the actor. 

The landlord claims they suffered 'damages including lost rent, rent differential losses, late fees, brokerage fees, additional broker fees, and legal fees.' 

Sources close to Thompson, however, told TMZ that the issue was not over the actor refusing to pay rent but rather a contractual dispute. Thompson allegedly never received the keys to the unit and has never even physically present on the property. 

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Thompson for comment but have not yet heard back. 

Thompson has been making audiences crack up for years as a long-time cast member on Saturday Night Live since 2003. 

Of all the current cast members, The 'All That' alum has the longest running history with the show.

Thompson has been an iconic part of the show for decades and last year appeared eager to return despite not having a contract signed for the 23rd season at the time.

'I mean, I love that place. It's one of my favorite places to be,' he told Page Six last year. 

The beloved comedian got his start on the hit Nickelodeon series All That - show that continues to have a special place in his heart.

In an interview with People, Thompson said he is particularly proud of some of the sketches he did on the show, including his portrayal of a character named Pierre Escargot. 

'I'm down with the people,' he told the publication. 'I kind of agree with everybody, you know, when it comes to [the characters people still love.] Pierre Escargot was a lot of fun.'

His work with All That co-star Kel Mitchell was also a highlight.

The duo's on-screen chemistry landed them their own spin-off show, Kenan and Kel, along with movies based on their Good Burger sketches.