Sometimes you just have to move: new job, end of school,
health issues. The reasons are endless. But vacating before the end of your
lease can have serious consequences.
Take time to consider how you will end your lease and you
can avoid major issues and costs. This column assumes your apartment community
is not in breach of contract; that is, it is providing a safe place to live and
has not broken its end of the contract.
Continue to pay your
rent. Don’t just move out and assume once you are out, you don’t have to
pay. You are still responsible for the rent payments through the end of your
lease.
See if your lease has
an early termination clause. Many owners include an early termination
clause to anticipate situations where breaking the lease is necessary. The
clause may spell out certain situations like job, health or family situations
that will permit early termination.
Read the termination
policy. Understand penalties and how much notice you need to give to
terminate your lease.
Talk with your
apartment manager or owner. Be respectful. Don’t use threats or be angry
when the team enforces the contract you signed. It might help to explain your
situation and ask for help.
Read the lease for
information on the refund policy for deposits. You may lose your security
deposit. There may be wiggle room for you to negotiate your security deposits
in exchange for breaking the lease early.
Secure your next
apartment before you terminate your current lease. Consider all the
consequences of breaking your lease and be sure this is the right choice for
you.