A Comprehensive Insight in Ending a Lease Early and How to Do it

Several reasons can push you to end your lease early. Maybe, you are a student who only needs the apartment during school days, or you’ve just got a new job in a different city, and you have signed a new lease.

While it is possible to end a lease early, there are several things you need to consider before terminating your lease agreement. This post outlines common reasons for terminating a lease early and tips for going through the process correctly.

Your legal responsibility.

First, it is best to understand that a lease is a contract that legally binds you and your landlord, and most of them are on a fixed term, usually ending on a set date. So, when you sign a lease, you commit to meeting every agreement requirement for the stated duration.

While nobody signs a lease with the mind of breaking it, event happens and can push renters to change location before their lease is up. However, regardless of the excuse you may have, you can’t necessarily avoid your lease obligations.

Reasons for early lease termination.

The following are some of the common reasons a person may want to leave temporarily.

• • Doing a work exchange or studying abroad.

  • Traveling for a long period.

  • Leaving student housing for the holidays.

  • Sorting out a family crisis.

Other renters may choose to leave permanently, often due to.

• • Moving in with a partner.

  • Buying their own homes.

  • Relocating to a new town for school or work.

  • Moving to a larger space.

Usually, personal reasons do not justify ending a lease early without any penalties. Therefore, it is essential to check your lease for the early termination clause or arrange with your landlord.

Legal reasons for breaking a lease

You will be required to fulfill the terms of your rental contract if you think of ending the lease. Even so, there are legal justifications for terminating a lease; all you need to do is to understand your jurisdiction’s laws and regulations.

Generally, you are legally allowed to break a lease if:

• • You are called for active military service.

  • You are a victim of domestic violence.

  • The apartment is condemned.

  • You must relocate due to health reasons

  • The landlord violates your rights.

While you may be legally allowed to break the lease, it is essential to create and keep a record of communication.

Tips on how to break a lease early

The following are different ways of breaking a lease early without going against tenancy laws in your region-

Look for an early termination clause.

If you want to end your lease contract, the first thing to do is check for the early termination clause and follow the rules outlined therein.

Talk to the landlord.

If you don’t find an early termination clause in the lease, consult your property manager or landlord about your options. If the contract does not address this situation, you can negotiate terms that fit both of you.

Seek permission to sublet.

If you are leaving temporarily, you may look for the clause allowing you to sublet. This will enable you to pass your lease obligations to another person.

Share with your company.

Suppose you are moving to a new job; it is safe to share your situation with the new company. It is common for some companies to provide help with relocation expenses.

Seek permission to assign the lease.

Similar to subletting, the lease may allow lease assignment. This is important if you are not returning because it will enable you to pass over your lease interest for the remaining duration to someone.

As a tenant, it is vital to keep a clean credit report as debts due to breaking a lease early to avoid problems. Not only when seeking a new home, but it will also affect your loaning ability negatively.

Are you looking for making a lease agreement form? You should check our legal forms section.