How to Break a Tenant Contract
It is common for anyone who resides in a rental property to have signed a tenant agreement contract. These contracts specify that you must live in the property for an agreed upon time, commonly six months or one year. Circumstances sometimes force the renter to need the contract dissolved. Loss of income or job relocation are two examples of why you would need to break a tenant contract.
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Instructions
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Contact your landlord and explain the situation. Some landlords are understanding about circumstances beyond the tenant's control. Request to be released from your tenant contract.
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Locate someone willing to rent your property. Landlords are more likely to release you from your contract if you have a willing renter ready to step in immediately. This will allow the landlord to not lose any funds when you leave.
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3
Read over your tenant contract thoroughly. Look for any violations by the landlord. If the landlord has violated any rental laws or any rules of the agreement, it voids the contract. If you can prove a voided contract, your landlord will likely release you from your tenant contract. Document all violations with pictures and letters to the landlord.
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Send your request to vacate the property to your landlord through certified mail. This leaves a paper trail behind, proving that your landlord did receive your written notice to leave.
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Ask your landlord to draw up a tenancy release form. This should indicate your reason for vacating the property and should include the details of the broken tenant contract. Any fees or penalties that you must pay should be listed in this form. Read over the form to make sure you understand everything. When you are comfortable with the conditions, sign the form and make a copy for your own records.
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Contact legal counsel if your landlord will not release you from your tenant contract. If you have legal or legitimate grounds to have this contract broken, it may be necessary to take your landlord to court.
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Tips & Warnings
Even with a good reason, you may have to forfeit your security deposit if you break a tenant contract early.
References
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