How to Get Out of a Lease Early
When you rent an apartment, house or office, most likely you will be asked to sign a lease. It will specify a certain amount of time that you are contractually obligated to pay rent. Sometimes situations occur that require you to get out of a lease early, such as job relocation or an increase in family size. But to do so, you must take the proper steps.
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Instructions
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Review your lease carefully and understand all its provisions. The lease may state that there are certain situations that allow you to get out of it. For example, if the landlord isn't fixing the items needed for the house to work properly, you may be able to break the lease.
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Draw up a letter to your landlord. Make sure it is written respectfully, and explain any problems you may have. Tell the landlord you want to get out of the lease early, and cite any sections in the lease that back you up. Make a copy of the letter for your records. Then mail your letter by certified mail so you have proof it was sent. Often, the landlord will let you move out or fix the problem.
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Call your local courthouse and ask if its library contains renter's laws and rights for your state. If it doesn't, ask where to call for that information. Knowing these laws and rights will help you determine if you have a case in court.
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If your landlord is being uncooperative, file a petition with the court to get out of the lease. Remember that everything must be written and documented if you need to go to court.
You don't want to file a petition if you have no legal basis for terminating your agreement. For example, if you want to move out so you can move in with your boyfriend, no judge will let you out of the lease.
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Find another tenant for your landlord. The landlord must approve that tenant, of course, but if you have a replacement, the landlord is more likely to let you get out of the lease early. Make sure he won't be losing any rental income during the transition.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you leave the apartment clean and the way you found it when you moved in. Take pictures to document this so your landlord has no basis for keeping your security deposit.
Remember that a lease is a legal and binding contract. There is no guarantee that you can get out of it early.
Don't skip out on your landlord. He can take you to court and eventually get a lien on any cars or homes you purchase for any amount you still owe. He can also let other landlords know what kind of tenant you are, and you may have trouble finding housing.
