What would happen if I broke out of an apartment lease 4 months before its up?

Question

I just dont like the place. Its not what I expected it to be. I am moving to a new place in the city.

Answer 1

You would probably loose your deposit and maybe have to pay some kind of fee. I am not sure where you live but another options is putting your apartment up for sublet on craigslist. You could rent it out for 4 months and have them pay you the rent money and then you pay your landlord. You would need to meet the people first to make sure they are not going to ruin the apartment so it is a bit risky, but I have rented out my place 4 times while on vacations and never had a problem. For more information go to www.craigslit.org, click on your city (if they have one where you are) and then go to housing and sublets. Post an ad and see what kind of response you get. The other option is to pay the fees.

One more thing I thought of. It is illegal to charge you for the remaining months of rent and have it rented out again. They can only legally charge you for the time the apartment is unrented. So if you can find someone on your own that wants to rent it, you can go to your landlord, say you want to end your lease (you may still loose your deposit) and then he can not charge you for rent after the other person moves in and starts paying rent.

Answer 2

Expect to pay a lot. I've broken two leases and I'm still paying on one. THey tend not be that understating. Usually they'll charge you for 30-60 days worth of rent plus any discounts you recieved in three previous 8 months of rent. This can be costly. Look at your lease you will see exactly what you agreed to pay in such a situation altough you probably weren't paying any attention at the time.

It would probably be cheaper for you to just tough out these next four months. Even if you go ahead and move out it will most likely be cheaper.

Answer 3

Well if you are smart you won't do that....First, when you signed the lease they stated in that fine little print that if you leave( break the lease) you are responsible for the rest of the payments...Meaning you still gotta pay that rent even though you won't be living there...Then they might take you to court for the damages if there are any...not saying there are....Also, you could possibly forfeit your depost which means you won't be getting that back.....

I would take a look at my lease before getting out of it.....They also report that on your credit and it could effect future leases or other things....

Answer 4

Then you will be legally responsible for paying that four months rent when you leave. If you don't pay the landlord will take you to court, and get a judgement against you which will effect your credit for 5 to 7 years. Be responsible and do the right thing. You signed a lease, and now you must adhere to it.

Answer 5

You will be liable for the time the space is vacant. If the landlord doesn't re-rent it will be the rest of the term. If you move be sure to have your inspection done ASAP and take lots of pictures. Insist that the landlord sigh off on the inspection as to what repairers you may be liable for.

Answer 6

You may be required to pay the rent for those four months! Anyway, it depends on terms and conditions of a given tenancy agreement as well as tenant-landlord relationship!

Answer 7

Well legally going to small claims is good but you can also contact your local Fair Housing Office and report him for violations of the tenant-landlord agreement.

Answer 8

first, read your lease. normally, your landlord can still hold you liable for the 4 months. he can also kepp your security deposit. also if the apartment is rented he may le you off the hook.

Answer 9

You could be forced to pay the money that was lost by the non rental of the place that you vacated.

Answer 10

Chances are you pay for 3 months coz you have a 1 month deposit. So just stick it out.**