What You Should Know Before Breaking a Lease

Breaking an apartment lease as a renter is never easy and should be avoided to prevent the penalties and costs, but if you don’t have any other choice, consider the following guide to help you in your rental journey.

What is an Apartment Lease?

An apartment lease is a contract you sign with the landlord agreeing to the terms and conditions for renting the apartment. If you want to know more about leases, check out "What is an Apartment Lease" for details on preparing to rent an apartment and what to expect in your rental contract.

Can I Break a Lease?

When you sign a lease, it is a legally binding contract for 6 to 12 months of living in the apartment. Breaking a lease is not something that should be taken lightly. You’ve signed a contract that is legally binding so if you decide to break your end of the deal, the landlord is at liberty to issue the necessary penalties.

You will find the details of penalties for breaking the rental contract in your lease.

What are the Consequences of Breaking a Lease?

There will be a financial implication for ending a lease before it is due. The landlord may request two months' rent and the forfeit of your security deposit. Some landlords may request that you find tenants to take over the remainder of your lease. Remember, a landlord is running a business and ending a contract, it means an absence of income for a lease period that was meant to be secure.

What You Can Do to Avoid Ending the Rental Contract

If there is no way you can maintain your lease, it is a good idea to find renters who will be willing to rent the apartment. In some cases, this could ease the penalties issued by the landlord because they won’t be losing their rent.

Speak to the landlord about your circumstances before you present them with a formal letter to end the contract. Some landlords are willing to listen and will be more receptive to the situation if you talk to them.

A landlord has the right to legal action if you cancel a lease. It is better to explain your circumstances to the property manager or the landlord.

What are Your Rights when Ending a Lease?

The details in the lease will break down what the penalties of ending the contract are. If you feel that these terms are unfair or aren’t justified, it is best to consult with your real estate lawyer.

Time to Move

If you are thinking of ending your rental contract, you must be financially prepared. Breaking the lease could be an expensive practice. Consider your options and read the terms in the lease before you move out and move on.

Psychology graduate and content creator