I still have 5 months left on my lease, but money is tight. My boyfriend lost his job and we just can't afford it anymore. Our property manager is a B**** and has no people skills what so ever. The apartment is the largest on the property and has a huge yard(for a apartment) so it is a desirable apartment. We are desperate to get out. It is the 4th and we still haven't paid the rent. We are willing to pay for the time we are here now but we can't pay for the entire month.
2007-12-04 04:01:29 · 11 answers · asked by blondebettie 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Also we are willing to give up our deposites.
2007-12-04 04:04:07 · update #1
one of my dive partners is an attorney and we have spoken of this before.
the state you are in matters. Most states have laws to protect both renter and property owners.
you can get locked out and lose all your stuff if you don't pay.
you can get a judgment against you in court (but there are sometimes loop holes in state laws if you know them)
you can also try to get a smaller apartment and get an arbitrator to represent you
also, you may be able to get some assistance from state agencies though the focus of their help is usually to minorities.
more and more people are living one pay check from losing everything, you are just caught in the squeeze
talk to free legal help if you can
and i wish you the best
2007-12-04 06:06:20 · answer #1 · answered by magnetic_azimuth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, moving out early will lose you your security deposit as it is held against both damage to the property, and lost income from having a vacant apartment to re-let, as well as the remainder of the rent for whatever month, and possible, depending on lease terms, the rest of the quarter.
Check your lease. You may have other options. I had a lease with a major life impact clause. If I had a kid, lost a job, or was maimed... that sort of thing... I could get out of the lease, provided I moved into another property with the same owner.
Most likely, though, you're pretty well screwed. If you leave now, you're not only liable for the current month's rent, but also the security deposit. You probably should have left prior to the new cycle beginning. You'll need evidence of your date of vacancy, and that they were notified, as well. Just in case they want to say you were there a couple months longer than you were.
Good luck.
2007-12-04 04:11:46 · answer #2 · answered by ima_super_geek 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sad to say, you will probably be held to the terms of the lease via a judgment in small claims court if you decide to leave before the lease expires. I suggest that you try to negotiate an early termination with the management, in hopes that they will only hold you to one or two months rent as the penalty for termination.
Whether you like it or not, a lease is a legal binding contract on BOTH parties involved, and that means the management AND you.
2007-12-04 04:37:54 · answer #3 · answered by acermill 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only a few ways to get out of a lease.
1. Find a replacement that the owner approves of through the normal application process.
2. See if your lease allows you to sublet to another without an approval process
3. With your landlords permission - not likely in your case
4. Eviction - never recommended since it will be difficult to rent or buy anything
5. Using the eviction process to your advantage may be helpful. It takes time to go through the court system and maybe you can use that extra time to get a plan. Eviction is expensive and maybe the landlord is bluffing and you can negotiate more time and help the owner avoid the expense. Try to talk to the owner and say well..you got us but we got you too...can we work something out
6. Has your landlord broken the lease in any way? Things like habitability issues, or privacy issues like entering without permission.
2007-12-04 04:48:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have a lease.
I would suggest that you have your boyfriend get a job to help pay for rent.
Maybe sell the MB 320 and get a cheaper car. You could save a lot on cheaper grade of gas.
Maybe have the boyfriend give up the wine for awhile.
You have a lease and a committment. Maybe ask if you could move to a smaller apartment.
2007-12-04 04:09:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell your property manager to bite you lol just kidding
sit down and have a nice conversation with her and tell her the situation and let her now you just cant afford it anymore tell her when you will be moved out and that you are willing to pay what you owe.
or get a roommate =]
Good Luck
2007-12-04 04:05:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not wait until you are evicted. Can you sub-lease the apt? if so that maybe an option. However you will be responsible if the new tenant doesn't pay rent, but if they do, you will get your deposit's and be able to not break your lease.
2007-12-04 04:10:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to look at your lease and see what it says. More than likely you will have to pay the rent on it til they can re-rent it, there is usually a fine attached to it for breaking the lease.
2007-12-04 05:06:41 · answer #8 · answered by Whit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask if you can sub lease to another renter. You are ultimately responsible for that persons care of the apt. so be sure it is someone who can afford the rent and is responsible.
2007-12-04 04:12:40 · answer #9 · answered by me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try telling your landlord you mother had a heart attack and lives in another state and you have to go live with her to take care of her.
2007-12-04 04:05:07 · answer #10 · answered by Library Policeman 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋