I've accepted a job transfer from the Philadelphia area to Connecticut. I still have 6 months left on my lease on December 1, I'd be moving the last week of November. I've sent notice to my landlord, and they don't seem to be budging on letting me out early. Is there any law in PA that will allow me to cancel my lease early due to a job transfer?
2007-11-05 02:32:49 · 8 answers · asked by rockinkiwi 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Just to let you know, there's no subleasinng on my lease agreement. The distance from my current location to my eventual location is about 180 miles or so. I've tried to check state housing laws, but haven't had any luck. Anyone know a good website?
2007-11-05 02:54:31 · update #1
Yes you can, If you give your Landlord ample notice and a chance to reoccupy the residence. The can not hold you to a lease if your move is to better your life
2007-11-05 02:40:38 · answer #1 · answered by ohiomandi26 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is no law allowing you to break your lease due to a job transfer.
The landlord can hold you liable for the rent until either the lease expires or a replacment tenant is found. The landlord must mitigate his damages by attempting to find a replacment tenant.
You can be held liable for several months of rent because finding a tenant between December and February can be very tough. People do not voluntarily move during winter and the holidays, so the available tenants will be the bottom of the barrel.
The landlord has no obligation to accept tenants that he normally would not accept, or do not meet his rental criteria, just to end your liability.
The landlord can also hold you lible for any costs that he may incur due to your breach, such as advertising costs, agent fees, etc.
The landlord can sue you in Small Claims court and win. This will ruin your rental and credit history.
Your best bet is to try to negotiate an early termination or lease buy out with the landlord. Start by offering an amount equal to two months rent to release you from any further financial liability.
Understand that the landlord has no obligation to release you from the lease, he would be doing you a favor. Do not go into negotiations as though you are entitled to get out of your lease without penalty. The landlord has the upperhand in this situation.
If you can come to an agreement with the landlord, get it in writing!
2007-11-05 03:33:31 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a lease is a lease for the term. The key word in your question is that you "accepted" a job transfer. You didn't have to accept this.
Sorry to say, but you are on the hook.
The posters that state that you can get out of the lease "to better your life" are WRONG.
I do know that if you are in the armed services and are transfered that you can get out of your lease.
See if you can work something out. I wouldn't pay anymore rent after you move. The landlord may sue you. However, by law they have to try to rent the apartment. If they rent the place, then your monthly obligations are over. I'm guessing you WILL lose your deposit.
In addition, make sure that the apartment is 100% clean and in good shape. Have an inspection after you move out with the landlord and get everything in writing (ie damages, etc). Make sure that you agree on any damages and monies to be paid for said damages at that time. If there are any questions, take pictures or video of every wall ceiling and floor.
2007-11-05 03:03:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You'll have to check your state's tenant-landlord laws. I believe all states will allow the tenant to cancel the lease early if the job transfer is a certain distance away. Here in Florida I think it's 50 miles.
2007-11-05 02:44:40 · answer #4 · answered by Cristina V 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pennsylvania appears to make no exception to statute for a job transfer, regardless of distance. Contrary to what others have stated, very few states have such a statutory provision.
I have seen such early termination clauses in leases, particularly when the tenant is in the active military and may be suddenly transferred to another location.
Absent a provision in your contractual lease, it appears that you are bound to the lease and its terms.
2007-11-05 03:08:29 · answer #5 · answered by acermill 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Read the lease carefully-there should be a clause that adresses this specifically. I am also giving you the laws for all states that govern landlord, tenant laws.
2007-11-05 02:55:40 · answer #6 · answered by helprhome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it all comes down to the lease. If I were you, I would start advertising the apartment for rent and finding someone who needs an apartment to take over the lease. The complex would still have to approve them, but that's your best bet.
2007-11-05 02:46:22 · answer #7 · answered by cashmaker81 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-02-17 22:38:10 · answer #8 · answered by Austin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋