I am currently 6 months into a 1-yr lease on a (too big for me) apartment. Due to recent unexpected financial setbacks the total rent per month ($1250) is about $500 more than I can now afford.
Is there a civil (not terribly stress-inducing) way to break a lease ...the lease has no information about that prospect. My "common sense" tells me it'll be okay if I just go talk to the management and explain my situation, I'm just afraid that "common sense" may actually be me being naive... What do you think? please help! Thanks.
2006-09-18 05:47:13 · 13 answers · asked by Qrissy 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You are bound by your lease.....it is a contract you signed for a specific duration. Your landlord has the option to allow you out of that contract, but is under no obligation to do so, which would mean you are responsible for the full rent payment for the entire duration of your lease. If your unit is in demand and there would be no delay in finding a replacement renter, perhaps your landlord would be willing to let you out of the lease, but again.....it is not something they have to do.
2006-09-18 08:27:02 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the management decide that they don't want to break the lease, then you're screwed. You signed a lease stating that you are going to pay the monthly payment for 12 months and that is a legal binding document. You can try and talk them into cutting the lease short, or you can try to sub-lease the place. The last ditch effort would be to not pay them and have them kick you out. You would still have to pay them for the time you were there, but by getting kicked out, they are breaking your lease. This would look very bad on your credit report though.
2006-09-18 05:54:58 · answer #2 · answered by Take it from Toby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar situation once. When I was living in the states I had an apartment when I lost my job. Not only could I not afford to live there anymore I had to leave the country because my visa was based on my having employment.
Anyway I told them straight up what was going on and they found someone else to take the apt. I did have to pay 1 more month when I was not living there; but they didn't hit me up for the rest of the year's lease.
2006-09-18 05:59:38 · answer #3 · answered by n-i-c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please read your lease carefully and look for any clause/condition where it says you can give 1/2 month notice to terminate the lease. It is usually under termination heading. Or go directly to the management and explain your situation.Or you could share your apartment with someone who could share some rent.
If I were you I would not just walk out without making any effort to solve this problem.
You don't have to be afraid but should not be irresponsible as well. The life is good, bad and challenging.
Good luck
Ben
2006-09-18 05:58:47 · answer #4 · answered by baniban2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I understand, you are required to pay the rent UNTIL they are able to find a replacement for you. And they must do their best to do so. The least isn't a prison and you are stuck there although your management might make you think otherwise.
Ask to be let off your lease, they might penalized you a little though. If that doesn't work, take in a roommate to share the cost. I know many people don't like to live with strangers but you don't sound like you're in a position to do 100% what you like.
2006-09-18 05:59:20 · answer #5 · answered by choyryu 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd say trust your instincts and talk to the management. I'm sure they'd rather let you out of the lease than go through the time and expense of evicting you for non-payment of rent.
2006-09-18 05:55:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope, if you are lucky and the landlord can re-rent he may let you out of the lease for about 1500. 750 in rent is about the same as a 1300 mortgage payment after deductions. suck it up and move back with your parents for a year and buy your dream house.
2006-09-18 05:59:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the management about cutting you a deal. If you are not successful, try to sublease your apartment for as much as you think you can get. It would be far less expensive to pay for the difference in rent than to default and be responsible for 6 months rent plus late fees and attorney fees.
2006-09-18 05:54:03 · answer #8 · answered by Kevin B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing they can really do, if you leave giving them warning, etc., and let them know you can not afford the payment, is to keep your deposit. They are not required to give that back to you. You really need to discuss their policies with them, and talk to them about your situation. It really depends on if it is a private landlord or a company. Companies are usually much more strict about those things than any landlord, but a lot for them is based on how good of a tenent you are.
Go talk with them about their policies, and good luck!
2006-09-18 05:52:32 · answer #9 · answered by saintlyinnocents 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just dont pay the rent and they will send you a 7 day warning. The seven day warning says to pay or move . MY suggestion is to move. This is a legal way to get out of your lease.
2006-09-18 07:07:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋