Early Termination of a Lease

Since the tenant can’t just terminate a lease prior to the end of its rental period, what can a tenant do if they want to get out of a lease? In general, the tenant can’t terminate a lease unless the landlord significantly violates the terms of the lease (fails to make repairs, fails to pay bills that they are responsible for, etc.). In some states, the tenant can break the lease if they satisfy some conditions such as health problems, job relocation, or active military service.

What happens if you have no choice and you have to leave? Unfortunately you are on the hook for the entire lease amount. That’s right, you are responsible for all the rents due for the remainder of the lease. The only recourse you have is that the lanlord does have a legal obligation to try to find a new tenant “reasonably quickly.” When they find one, then you are off the hook.

This is where it is in your best interests, if you want to terminate a lease early, to discuss it with your landlord. Your landlord could be compassionate and just let you out of your lease or they could begin the search early and fill your spot before you leave. Finesse beats court action in this case.