we'll be leaving with 1 month owing. Not the most honorable way to go but there are cicumstances beyond our control (no money!) We just want to know what is the worst that can happen?
2007-08-25 13:59:05 · 7 answers · asked by tj777 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Here goes. The landlord, Apt. Mngr or owner can sue for payment of the equivalent of 7months rent (minus any "last month's rent paid upon entering into the lease) and they will probably win. Your only protection here is to inform the landlord or agent that your financial circumstances have changed and you need to vacate the property but wish to do so on good terms. First, ask if you can be released from your obligation and if they say yes be sure to get it in writing. If that doesn't work ask if you are allowed to find a new tenant that meets their approval to take over the lease. If they say no to all that I suggest that when you leave be sure to already have another place to stay so you won't need them as a reference AND don't accept service of any papers because they are probably going to sue. Then again, if you want to take your chance in court (which is never a bad idea ) be sure to put it in writing - a letter to the landlord or agent that you will be vacating the place and the reasons why and also offer the choices above. If you have those, showing that you tried your best to solve the problem for the landlord or agent the courts will sometime rule in your favor. Don't count on it though.
What ever you do though - try your best to leave on good terms with the landlord or agent. Be sure to clean the Apt. and repair any damages that are there- whether you caused them or not.
Good luck.
2007-08-25 14:23:33 · answer #1 · answered by iuud2noitall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally, it is possible you could be required to pay rent for the remainder of the lease and any damages to the apartment. That is the WORST case scenario. A more likely scenario is that you can buy your way out for a couple months rent. If the landlord has a waiting list and can charge the new tenants more than your rent, they will probably make such an offer.
2007-08-25 21:25:39 · answer #2 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The worst thing that can happen is the apartment complex can sue you for breach of contract + late fees/interest on the unpaid amounts. Not to mention there is no hope of getting your deposit back if you paid one.
On the flip side, you could talk to your landlord. Explain the circumstances, and maybe work out some sort of deal/payment plan.
2007-08-25 21:09:51 · answer #3 · answered by Jimee77 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The worse scenario:
The unpaid remainder goes to collections, and plummets your credit rating. Which will make it much harder to get another apartment, a car loan, credit cards, or possibly buying any property in the future.
Within the next two years the landlord takes you to small claims court. He/She wins a judgment against you for breaching the contract.
2007-08-25 21:40:32 · answer #4 · answered by Cysteine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the worst is that they will take you to court for the entire lease amount, and any additional damages.
I suggest you tell them your situation, and see if they will allow you to break your lease, and maybe get on a payment plan with them to cover the month you owe them for. The worst they could say is no.
2007-08-25 21:10:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be held liable for the remainder of the lease period and lose your applicable deposits. You'll get a very bad reputation as well.
You can't just "bail" on a contract you've signed - it's why you sign them.
2007-08-25 21:09:10 · answer #6 · answered by pepper 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably nothing other than losing your deposit. You can't get blood out of a stone.
2007-08-25 21:14:56 · answer #7 · answered by mstrywmn 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋