Glossary Term
Breaking a lease means ending the rental agreement before the fixed term ends. Tenants who break a lease without a legal justification may owe rent until the unit is re-rented, a lease-break fee, or other damages. Many leases and state laws allow early termination in specific situations (e.g., military, domestic violence, uninhabitable conditions).
In short
Breaking a lease means ending the rental agreement before the fixed term ends. Tenants who break a lease without a legal justification may owe rent until the unit is re-rented, a lease-break fee, or other damages. Many leases and state laws allow early termination in specific situations (e.g., military, domestic violence, uninhabitable conditions).
Leaving early without a valid reason can lead to large rent bills and damage to your rental history. Knowing valid reasons and options (sublet, buyout, re-letting) can reduce cost and conflict.
Something else? Contact our team
It depends on your lease and state. You may owe: a flat fee, rent until the unit is re-rented, or the difference between your rent and a lower new rent. Many states require landlords to mitigate damages by re-renting.
Some states have laws allowing early termination for job relocation beyond a certain distance. Others don't. Your lease may also have a relocation clause. Check your lease and state law.
In most states, yes—landlords have a duty to mitigate damages by making reasonable efforts to re-rent. They cannot leave the unit empty and charge you for the full term without trying to find a new tenant.
Upload it now and see your first red flags in the free preview.
Check my lease free