How can I get out of an apartment lease without being penalized?

Answer 1

Since each state has different laws this site posts them all go to Laws & Statutes , and then click which state you live, theres legal resourses and much more.

Answer 2

A lease is a legal contract between you and your landlord. In ordered to void it, you need a legal reason, some examples of a legal reason to void a lease might be:

(1) Material Breach, such as Not Providing Habitable Housing. This would include problems like SERIOUS health code violations, rodent infestations, etc...

(2) Landlord has breached other terms of the lease, which may void it legally. This would greatly depend on the language of the lease it'self.

(3) The lease may contain a clause for early withdrawal or moving out early and state what the penalty (if any) will be. In this case, just follow the procedure outlined in the lease and be prepared to pay the penalty it describes.

Some reasons that ARE NOT VALID to legally break a lease:

(a) Job Relocation
(b) Family Emergency
(c) Problems with a neighbor
(d) Personal problems
(e) Financial Problems

Now, the landlord can always let you out of it penalty free, if they choose to do so. You can negotiate that with them.

In most states, the damages are limited to either the amount of rent due until the end of the lease OR until the landlord re-rents the unit, whichever occurs first.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Find someone to buy out your lease. Make sure your landlord agrees to this (or any of the other suggestions) IN WRITING! Sometimes your landlord will let you out if you find another tennant for him. You just collect what you paid for the deposit (or pro rate it if you feel that you may not get it all back anyway) and let the new one take over where you left off.

Some people are looking for short term due to being inbetween houses while their new one is being built or temporary work. So they look for these types where they are only needed for the last few months of the lease.

You could also find someone that wants to start a whole new lease and talk to your landlord about canceling yours without penalty since you found him another that will sign a new 1 year agreement.

Answer 4

Usually you can't. If you want to leave before your lease is up, most landlords require that you pay an additional 2 months. If you have a good reason like job transfer, buying a home, or moving to another city, some will bargain with you. Just be sure you leave the place like it was when you moved in. Landlord must then return your deposit within 30 days providing you have left a forwarding address. My advice is to take pictures of what it looks like when you leave so you don't get any surprises if landlord trys holding back more than he in in titled to. Check your lease. There may be clauses that are different in your state than it is here in PA.

Answer 5

Usually when you sign a lease and you leave early you don't get your deposit back. Read over your lease and see what it says. If you know the landlord pretty well and have a good reason for leaving, they may let you go without a penalty but thats not very likely. If you did not put down a deposit then they may ask you to come up with some kind of penalty money.

Answer 6

From a landlord's experience, I NEVER let my tenants sublet! I would say your best bet is just to try to be honest with the manager or property owner and explain your reasoning. Usually, if THEY are able to re-rent it then they will let you out of your lease. Otherwise, you're responsible.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

i was able to get out i of 2 apartment leases by telling my manager that because of a family emergency i had to vacate so that i could be available to care for a sick family member and it worked!!!

Answer 8

Get a subleaser. You're still responsible for the rent ultimately but hopefully you have an honest subleaser who pays the bills.

Answer 9

IF U R IN THE MILITARY SHOW A COPY OF YOUR ORDERS SHOWING THAT U R LEAVING AND ITS MORE THAN 50 MILES AWAY.IF NOT SUBLEASE TO SOMEONE YOU REALLY TRUST