i have sign a house rental agreement, but want to move out before contract ends.?

Question

I have rented a one year contract, but I want to move out before the contract ends, do i still have to pay for the house? what will happen? please asap thanks

also i live in CA if that helps

Answer 1

The short answer is yes, since it is a contract. However, you can sublet it to another person for the remainder of your contract, or speak to the owner and take a loss by paying out a penalty fee.
If the rental unit is easily rented out to another person, the landlord can do you a favor by allowing you to break the contract and just forfeit the damage deposit or pay out a penalty per month left on the contract.
The best thing to do is ask your landlord. DId you fill out a standard contract? Bring it to him or her and negotiate a fair deal.

Answer 2

I don't know CA rental laws, but a contract is valid and binding in ALL states. Read your lease CAREFULLY to see what the ramifications of breaking said lease are. I would like to think you are liable for the balance to end of the lease. If it is with a private owner, maybe they will be lenient if you come clean and honest sooner than later. Larger management companies usually won't bend. But in any case, yes you can be sued for the balance as well as any damages you caused.

Answer 3

Legally you have to pay rent until the end of your contract. Try pleading with your landlord and if you're lucky you might just lose your initial deposit. But legally he can still make you pay rent until your contract is up or until you or your landlord find someone to sublease the remainder of your lease.

Answer 4

read your lease...many times there is an "Out Clause"
normally it is a certain amount of $$ to let you out.
if nothing is specified, then yes you will need to pay the entire year with a 30 day notice.

you also might try talking to the landlord --he may let you out if you have a good reason

good luck