Breaking Your Lease

Your lease requires you to pay the whole rental period, even though you only pay rent monthly. If you terminate your lease less than six months before the due date, you could owe six times your monthly rent or more if there are any fees. It is possible to break a lease, but it may be challenging to pay the severe penalties. 

Here Are A Few Ways To Help You And Your Landlord Navigate This Process Amicably

• Notify In Advance

  You must give the landlord at least 30 days' notice if you aren't renewing your lease. You should check your lease carefully as it may require additional notice (60, 90, or 120 days).

  Notify the landlord in writing of your intention to vacate. Short-term rentals that are covered by a month-to-month rental agreement will likely have different notice terms. These should be added to the contract.

• Learn The Law

  Both landlords and renters are protected by local, state, and federal laws. They vary depending on where you live.

  Federal law protects individuals who enter active military service, while each state has specific rules to protect tenants in exceptional circumstances. Some states require landlords to make reasonable attempts to find another tenant for your unit. This is regardless of the reason you need to end the lease.

  To determine your rights and responsibilities in these situations, it is a good idea to speak with an expert. Tenants' unions are often available in larger metropolitan areas to help tenants navigate these disputes. These associations can help you if your landlord isn't trying to find a new tenant, charges more than the legal limit, or doesn't answer your questions.

• Be Prepared To Pay For Or Provide A Solution

  You can check your lease to see if your reason for terminating the lease isn't protected by law. You will likely have to pay a high fee or cover the monthly rental costs during the remaining period. Your security deposit won't be refunded.

  Talk to your property manager about possible solutions. Both the landlord and renter will be financially burdened if they break a lease. Therefore, both sides have an interest in resolving the matter efficiently.

  Find creative ways to reduce costs for both parties. For example, if your agreement permits it, you can offer to sublet someone or rent out a new lease.

  Remember: Although subletters may sign their lease agreements, the actual lease will remain under your name, and you will be legally responsible for any damage.

• Everything Should Be Documented

  Every conversation regarding the termination of your lease should be written down. Although email is the best way to document, you can also use phone or face-to-face interactions to take notes and send them to your landlord.

  This can help prevent miscommunications between parties and bolster your case if the matter escalates.

• Get Expert Legal Advice

  It can be challenging to navigate federal, state, and local laws on your own. You may need help if you believe you have a case.