Can you exit a lease early

If you broke your lease without just cause, it can show up as a major red flag. When it does, you can have trouble securing a new place to live. A collection agency debt that's derived from breaking a lease early will not just be a problem when seeking a new home to rent, but it will affect your ability to obtain a loan or credit card with excellent terms. Check your credit report from Experian often. It's free and a great way to keep track of what is being reported about you.

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It is recommended that you upgrade to the most recent browser version. Experian and the Experian trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian and its affiliates. The landlord-tenant relationship is often tricky, but open communication and total transparency are the best ways to handle a touchy situation like leaving before the lease is up. Email your landlord and building manager as early as you can in the process. Your landlord is a business person, but they're human too — so if you're honest about the situation, they might understand of course, there's always a chance they might not.

But if you're a responsible renter and have a good relationship with your landlord, the process of breaking an apartment lease early might go smoothly. To stay on good terms, give your landlord as much notice as possible. If you need to break the lease immediately and can't give the standard amount of notice specified in your rental agreement, offer to find someone to sublet from you. In many states, both you and your landlord will need to try to find a replacement renter if you move out early it's required.

There are two possible scenarios for finding a new renter: subletting and re-renting. Here's a breakdown of each:. If your landlord isn't able to find a new renter quickly, you may have to pay for the days the unit remains vacant. Renting your apartment isn't the landlord's top priority, so finding a renter to replace you may help speed things along. Remember, your landlord doesn't have to go with the first person who wants to sublet or re-rent your apartment.

There are a number of things that might keep a landlord from deciding to rent to an applicant, including credit score, rental history and availability of funds. In some states, both you and your landlord are legally responsible for trying to find a new renter.

However, since you stand to lose a lot of money if you can't find one, it's a good idea to put in a lot of effort from the beginning. Check with your friends or post a Facebook status to see if anyone you know is looking for a place to live. If you're unable to take the time to find a new renter or you're in a situation where you need to leave the apartment immediately, consider the termination offer detailed in your lease.

Breaking a lease agreement often requires paying two or three months' rent and forfeiting your security deposit altogether, though every lease will be different. Again, it's a good idea to check in with your landlord at this point because there's always a chance they'll reduce the fees involved or return your security deposit even if the lease says they won't.

Remember that this situation is difficult for you, but it's also a huge financial burden on your landlord who's depending on your rent money each month as a substantial part of their income. A good landlord-tenant relationship can go a long way toward making the situation more bearable for both parties, so make sure you're staying positive and patient.

Breaking a lease is not cheap for you or your landlord, so don't be surprised if you have to pay lease penalties. If you don't pay to terminate your lease immediately, depending on where you live, you're responsible for paying your rent until the time you or your landlord finds someone to sublet re-rent your apartment.

In many states, if your landlord makes an effort to find a new renter and can't — you'll have to continue paying the rent until your lease term is up. Even if your landlord is able to find a renter but can't charge them as much as they charged you, you may need to pay the difference.

In many areas, especially in larger cities, there are tenants' unions in place that can help renters handle landlord-tenant disputes or assist with breaking lease agreements early.

Tenant unions are a good resource for knowing the specific laws in your city and state regarding leases, so it worth checking with one near the beginning of the process in order to know your rights as a tenant.

Minnesota State Legislature. Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project. State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs. New York State Attorney General. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Michigan Department of Attorney General. Washington State Legislature. New Jersey, Department of Consumer Affairs.

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