Q:

Must One Remove the Mezuzot from a House Rented to Gentiles?

Is there any obligation to take down your mezuzot if a house you own (and live in some of the time) is rented to Gentiles for an extended period of time (e.g. over 30 days)?
I ask because I recently heard someone doing so, and they were under the impression that this was halachically required, but I have never before heard of this being done. And if this is not required, are there sources who suggest doing such as a best practice, or a chumrah?

A:

See Bava Metziah 102a and Shulchan Aruch Hilchos Mezuzah 291:2 that when renting a house to a gentile one removes the mezuzos.
Later authorities debate if this is merely an allowance since the obligation to have them up has ceased, or if this is an obligation due to the concern of the gentile, who sees no value to it, destroying or otherwise harming it. My impression is most modern authorities rule like the latter opinions.

