2007-07-12 13:01:48 · 12 answers · asked by BIANCA S 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
READ YOUR LEASE. The lease should explain your landlord's policy and what the penalties are. It's should all be there, if it's not then your landlord has the burden of proof that you were in a particular lease agreement that does not allow for breaking the lease without certain penalties. Your state should have pretty standard landlord/tenant laws but your lease specifies what actions your landlord can and will take.
2007-07-12 13:08:01 · answer #1 · answered by RhapsodyinBlue 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you might be able to get out of the lease if you talk to the landlord. He might let you renege if you pay a hefty penalty (like 3 months rent) depending on how long the lease lasts. If he (or you) can get someone to assume the lease he might let you out. A lease is a very binding document. You can't just walk away. He can sue you for the balance and any costs or penalties. Best idea is to speak to him first (landlord) then a lawyer.
2007-07-12 20:08:55 · answer #2 · answered by YOU GOTTA MOVE TO IMPROVE! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just got this lawyer handbook thing because my college gives out free legal advice. Basically, it says that if there is some sort of maintenance issue that is a health hazard and you give them ample time to fix it and they don't, then you are within your rights to break your lease.
You can also move out in the middle of the night and that way, they can't make a lien to take any of your property but in that case, they can (and probably will) keep your security deposit and charge you something like 85% of one month's rent for the trouble that they will have to go thru to find a new tenant. they CANNOT make you pay the rent for the rest of the lease because they have to attempt to find a new tenant within a "reasonable" amount of time.
[they can make a lien against your property if they know or suspect that you're about to skip out early. they can go into your apt and take items of value in order to make up their losses. so, it's in your best interest not to let them know!]
You can also try to find a subletter to finish out your lease but keep in mind that if this person trashes the place, you're still responsible for paying the damages.
I wouldn't really trust what other people are suggesting about asking them nicely and stuff like that. I've been screwed over by my apt. because the manager said one thing and did another.
2007-07-12 20:06:31 · answer #3 · answered by ahelaumakani 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them to find a new tenant or allow you to sublet. If you abandon your lease they will charge you until it is re-rented and they have no reason to hurry since you will still be paying your lease payment.
If you have a good reason like buying a house they may let you out for a reasonable fee. If worse comes to worse you pay until the end of the lease.
2007-07-12 20:06:25 · answer #4 · answered by shipwreck 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest that you first read the lease and find out the consequences of moving before the lease is scheduled to end. Many landlords charge fees to "break the lease". I suggest being upfront and honest with the landlord to avoid future problems.
LaNiece
http://www.RealtyShakers.com
2007-07-12 20:06:20 · answer #5 · answered by Maverick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you signed a lease - all the landlord has to do is present it to the court system and you are liable for the remainder of the lease. If you break your lease, expect to pay.
2007-07-12 20:04:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the problem is , that a lease is a contract, realistically, you cant get out of it till you pay the lease off whitch usually equalls the total months rent , usually a year ,on the property, you can try to convince the manager to let you out, sometimes if you can get a new tennent to move in on the same month you leave, they sometimes will go with that, but unfortunatelly for you, if you bail and move out, and just blow off your contract , that will follow you and haunt you every time you try to rent another place, no body will rent to you if you have bad credit from past rental properties. your best to just stay out the whole contract or discuss it with the manager. good luck
2007-07-12 20:09:26 · answer #7 · answered by yowuzup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some places alow you to pay a full months rent to break the lease and some will just report it to the credit bureau.
This lady I know has 7kids and she just talked to the lanlord, practically begged and gave a sob story and the lady was nice enough to let her out of the lease.
Also if you go into the military, by law, they MUST let you out of your lease. You could lie unless they request proof.
2007-07-12 20:09:07 · answer #8 · answered by dee b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't any more than the landlord can throw you out during the lease.
2007-07-12 20:09:32 · answer #9 · answered by Box815 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the office of the place you're leasing and see if they have a buy-out policy. some places will let you, but you won't get your deposit back.
just make sure you're nice with them and explain to them the reason why you need to leave..and maybe offer to help find a subleaser or new leasee.
2007-07-12 20:05:03 · answer #10 · answered by fallingstar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋