Ways to Get Out of a Rental Agreement or Lease
You might want to get out of your rental agreement or lease for any number of reasons: noisy upstairs neighbors, an increase in crime or even loud neighborhood children. Or you may take a new job far away. You can simply ask your apartment manager or property owner to let you out of the lease early and explain why, but not all property managers are understanding. Finding your own way out of your apartment lease first and then taking action is a better idea.
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Pay Extra Rent or Fees
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Many lease and rental agreements allow you to get out of your agreement if you pay fees or a certain number of monthly rent payments. For example, the lease may stipulate that you have to pay two months of additional rent if you want to leave early. Other rental agreements may require that you pay the remaining months of your lease if you want to leave. Though this option is no bargain--you're still required to pay all rent--it provides a legal, agreeable "out."
Find a Replacement
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Some apartment complexes and property owners allow renters to get out of their lease if they find someone else to live there and pay rent. Such a clause or statement is rarely in the lease itself. However, most property owners will be satisfied with this arrangement provided that you find a suitable individual or family to take over the lease.
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Join the Armed Services
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Joining the armed services--the military regular or reserve forces--and entering into active duty gives you lease and rental agreement protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This act states that individuals who signed a rental agreement or lease before joining the armed services and entering into active duty may terminate the agreement early. The law requires that you either receive orders for a permanent change of station or orders for active-duty service of at least 90 days.
Find a Loophole
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Scrutinizing your rental agreement or lease gives you the chance to find a loophole. For example, most rental agreements spell out the property owner's obligations to the renter, such as making timely repairs and making sure the property is habitable. If you have notified the apartment manager or owner in writing about needed repairs and the property owner breaks the lease by not fulfilling his obligations, you are entitled to get out of the lease.
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