How to Break an Apartment Lease

There are several reasons why anyone would want to break an apartment lease. Perhaps the apartment is not what you expected it to be, or your neighbors are hard to live next to. Whatever the case, there are several ways to break an apartment lease - see which one of these steps will work for your situation.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Financial Calculator
• Real Estate Attorneys
• Rental Agreements
• Notebooks
• Personal Organizers
• Writing Pens

1. Read your rental agreement to uncover any loopholes in the contract. If the landlord promised to do work and didn't do it or if there is a condition that makes the rental uninhabitable, you have an out.

2. Create a condition contrary to the wishes of the landlord. This might make him or her want to break the agreement. (This is dangerous - don't do anything counter to what you agreed to in your lease or you could be held liable or evicted.)

3. Explain to your landlord the reason for needing to break the agreement. You may find your landlord is understanding and willing to make concessions for you.

4. Find a new tenant to assume the responsibility of the rental. (See How to Assign Your Lease.)

Tips & Warnings

• Check your local tenants' rights laws. They will spell out how to give notice and leave.

• Be honest and sincere in your intentions with your landlord. A little goodwill can go a long way.

• Even though you might have made all the efforts to find a new tenant, you might be responsible for the balance of the rent according to your agreement if another tenant is not found or for the portion of time that the rental was empty.

• Document all efforts to attract a tenant in case your landlord gives you any problems about getting out of your lease. If you end up in court, you will need the documentation to verify your efforts.