I need to move. How can I break my lease?
You cannot break a lease without consequences. After all, if tenants can break a lease then why can’t property owners?
If you need to move but have time remaining on a lease, the best approach is to contact the owner or property manager, explain the situation, and offer to help find a new tenant. It may then be possible, by mutual agreement, to modify lease arrangements. Most landlords will appreciate such an offer, recognize that the alternative situation may be costly for everyone, and will try to work out a practical solution.
Be prepared — indeed offer — to pay reasonable advertising costs up to a set amount incurred by the owner to re-let the property.
If it is not possible to change the lease terms by mutual, written, agreement, then both parties are obligated to complete all terms of the rental contract. However, some lease agreements have “out” clauses which allow for early termination, such as relocation to a new job that is at least 50 miles away from the old one. Most leases also have a “military clause” so that those called to active military duty can end a lease early without penalty.
For details, read your lease and see a legal clinic, attorney, or local public housing office.
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