- You’re an active-duty member of the military.- Your rental unit isn’t habitable. - Your landlord enters your home illegally. - You’re a domestic violence victim.- You can’t pay your rent.
What Is the Cost to Break a Lease on an Apartment?
There’s no set cost to break a lease early, but you could end up paying a significant amount. If you can’t find anyone to take over your lease, for example, your landlord may insist that you pay the rent until a new renter moves in.
If you plan to leave your rental property early, do read your lease before packing up. Focus on the fine print, because that’s where penalties, caveats and procedures for early termination usually live.
If you need to break a lease, communicate with your landlord. Let your landlord know why you need to move, and try to reason with them before doing anything drastic.
If your landlord agrees to let you out of your lease early, get that confirmation in writing. Verbal agreements are very hard to prove, and if you end up in court, your lease terms will probably prevail.
Before you leave your property, insist on a walk-through with your landlord—and take photographs to prove the state of the property. A written or visual record of your walk-through results could protect you if your landlord tries to sue for damages or threatens to keep your deposit.