How Do I Break a Lease if the Option Is in the Lease Agreement?

Breaking a lease early can result in fees and penalties.

A rental lease is an agreement between the renter and the landlord regarding terms and conditions you both agree to follow during the rental period. Part of a lease includes when and how the lease terminates. Leases are, generally, for a set amount of time but can provide a clause for either party to end the lease early. If you are going to break your lease early, you must follow the procedure listed in the lease to avoid any penalties.

Things You'll Need

• Lease

Instructions

1. Read your lease carefully. Pay careful attention to the clause regarding your option to break the lease. You need to determine how the landlord wants to be notified and how much notice he requires.

2. Contact the landlord using the method outlined in your lease. If the lease is not clear and just requests a certain amount of notice, send the landlord a certified, return receipt letter via the United States Postal Service. If the landlord requests you call him, call him but also send a certified, return receipt letter. This will prevent the landlord from saying you did not call him and give notice. If the lease is vague and simply states you can break the lease early, without specific details, send the landlord a letter stating you are wishing to exercise the option to break your lease. Provide the date you will vacate the property.

3. Pay the rent through the time you leave the rental property. If your lease requests a 60-day notice to break the lease and you leave after 30 days, you will still owe the additional rent.

4. Communicate with your landlord. Landlords may be willing to bend the lease requirements under certain circumstances and release you from liability. If you have a 60-day requirement and you need to be out in 30 days, discuss the reasons with him and see if you can negotiate an additional agreement. Get all agreements in writing.

Tips & Warnings

• Sending the letter certified, return receipt will serve as proof that the landlord received the notice.

• Give the landlord as much notice as possible.

References

• Oh My Apartment: How to Break a Lease