How to Terminate Your Apartment Lease Without a Big Expense

Moving out of an apartment before the end of a lease can result in a big expense. Landlords may file a lawsuit against you in an attempt to collect back payments, or they may hire a collection agency to collect funds owed. Apartment landlords are not obligated to release you from a rental agreement early. But employing certain techniques can help you negotiate an early release without a huge expense.

Instructions

1. Ask for an early release and provide a legitimate reason. Even if your lease agreement doesn't feature an early release clause, which may allow early termination in the event of a job loss, relocation or other emergency, talk to your landlord face-to-face and explain your reason for needing an early release. Be professional and polite. Your landlord may conclude that you have sound reason breaking for the lease agreement and allow termination without consequences.

2. Give up your security deposit. Tell your landlord to keep your security deposit, which may cover the rent for one or two months until a new tenant moves in.

3. Make plans to live in the apartment until a new tenant signs the lease agreement. Moving out without giving your landlord notice may result in a big expense. But agreeing to stay in the apartment until they locate new tenants can help you avoid major consequences such as lawsuits and collection accounts. Talk to your landlord first to see if this is an option.

4. Find someone who's ready to take over your lease. Ask around and find someone who's looking for a new apartment. Have this person on stand-by, and mention to your landlord that you have someone who's interested in leasing the apartment. The landlord needs to approve the applicant, but this can speed the process of finding someone to take over the lease.

References

• MSN Money; Breaking a Long-term Lease; Sally Anderson
• Bankrate.com; Break a Lease and Stay Creditworthy; Steve McLinden; February 2010