Laws on Tenants Breaking Leases in Ohio
When you sign a lease, you are agreeing to live in a particular apartment for a certain amount of time. Sometimes you are unable to do so because of financial problems or life changes. In Ohio, your landlord has the right to take legal action against you if you break your lease unless you get written permission. You may break your lease if the landlord refuses to correct unsafe living conditions such as sewage problems.
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Landlord Neglect
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If the premises become unsafe because of needed repairs, the tenant must contact the landlord in writing. The written notice should list all needed repairs as well as any sections of the health code or other applicable laws that the tenant believes the landlord to have violated. The tenant should send this notice by certified mail and get delivery confirmation. The landlord then has 30 days to remedy the situation. If the landlord does not do so, the tenant has the right to terminate the lease or take the landlord to court to make him repair the unit.
Moving Out Early
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If you must move out before your lease expires, your landlord has the right to sue you for the amount of unpaid rent. If you have to move due to an emergency such as a financial crisis or getting a job in a different state or city, talk to your landlord before deciding to move. In some cases, your landlord may be able to lower your rent or let you out of the lease.
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Re-Rental of Apartment
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If you break your lease and your landlord re-rents your apartment, your obligation to your old landlord ends. Thus, if your landlord finds a new tenant immediately, he cannot sue you for unpaid rent after the new tenant moves in. For this reason, it is to your advantage to help your landlord find a new tenant if you are unable to remain in the apartment for the entire duration of your lease.
Written Contract
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If your landlord agrees to terminate your lease early, you must get her agreement in writing. Oral agreements are not valid under Ohio law, and your landlord can still sue you or report your name to the credit bureau if she cannot re-rent your apartment immediately after you move out. In addition, if your lease contains a clause stating you must pay a certain amount of rent to terminate the lease early, you must honor that unless you get a release in writing from your landlord.
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