Reasons to Break a Lease
When people rent homes, most fully intend to stay for the full term of the lease. Sometimes, however, issues come up which make this impossible to follow through on. Reasons can include receiving an out of state job offer, the home is uninhabitable, you're being deployed overseas, the apartment is causing a health condition, or you've moved in next door to active gang members. Educate yourself on your rights as a renter.
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Job Offer
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If you've signed a lease and just a few months later receive an out of state job offer, you need to make a decision. You can break a lease for this reason, but expect to pay a penalty.
Health Reasons
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The apartment you've just moved into looked wonderful when you first looked at it--its only after you've lived in it that you've realized there is a mold problem. Because of the risk mold poses to good health, you can break your lease--just make sure you have verifiable documentation of the issues.
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Personal Safety
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If you have been in a relationship which has become violent, or if you have neighbors who create a safety hazard (i.e., gang or drug activity), you can break your lease. As in the above section, gather documentation which proves your need to break your lease. Provide written notice of intent to vacate and expect to lose your security deposit.
Deployment
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If you are in the National Guard, Reserves or on active duty, and you receive orders deploying you out of the state or country, you can break your lease. Show your orders to your property manager or landlord.
Habitability
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If your home is dangerous to live in (the roof is ready to collapse or the utilities are turned off because the landlord failed to pay the bill), you can break the lease. Contact your local Landlord/Tenant Association and advise them of your situation. You still have to provide written notice of intent to vacate.
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