While most of our articles are geared toward landlords and property management, we also get a lot of people seeking information from the tenant’s perspective. In that spirit, from time to time, we offer worthwhile information that concerns that segment of the population. This is one of those moments.
What you should know about early lease termination
Life always throws the unexpected at us and more often than not we are not prepared for it. So what happens when you are forced into breaking a legally binding contract, like your rental agreement on a lease?
Let’s say you moved in and signed your lease agreement just barely three months ago. Everything is fantastic, rent is sensibly priced, and the property is located in an exceptional area. Then you get the surprise, either the loss or sickness of a loved one or a promotion or relocation in your employment. Now, what becomes of that legal contract you signed?
All rental agreements, whether the lease is a month-to-month or one-year contract, are legally binding. This means that you can, and most likely will be still held financially responsible for the loss of rent for the duration of the contract. However, as gritty as that sounds, it doesn’t always have to end costing you an arm and a leg or having to obtain legal representation.
Helpful tips when you need to break a lease
Breaking a lease can result in negative implications on future tenant screening reports or even your credit standing. If you need to leave a rental property earlier than you anticipated, there are things you can do to break a lease without upsetting the landlord or property manager.
1. Check your lease agreement
Most times, the first best thing you can do is to go over your rental agreement with your landlord or property manager and read through the terms of the lease. More often than not, there is an opt-out clause that can be utilized for the benefit of you both with an agreed upon fee.
2. Talk with your landlord
Discussing the situation openly and honestly with your property manager is the best way to show you understand the problem from their end and your willingness to help rectify it.
No property manager or landlord wants to have a tenant break their lease. It can be costly and a hassle. However, it happens, and it’s generally better for managers to try and be accommodating to some degree rather than taking the chances of a tenant deciding not to pay and ending up in an eviction process.
3. Find a replacement
Also offering to help find another tenant to take over the lease for the remaining months or a new one altogether may be a good idea as well. Tenants will often explore sub-leasing scenarios as well. Just be sure to check your lease agreement as some explicitly disallow any sub-leasing.
4. Help with advertising the property
Offering to market and pay for the opening of the home is also another way to help find new tenants. Using newspapers or even webpages such as Craigslist is a good way to bring in prospective renters. Always make sure potential tenants will meet the property manager’s requirements before getting them involved as to not waste time.
Go for a Win-Win Situation
While there are some occasions where you honestly just can’t get out of paying large amounts for breaking your lease agreement, there are still some things you can attempt to do to lessen the stress of it all. For you and for the landlords. Just remember to be open and cooperative with your property managers so everyone involved will be satisfied.