You should quit a lease in a manner that there are no financial repercussions. Quitting a lease is quite common, but be aware of any wrong decisions at this stage. A wrong step could mean penalties that may adversely affect your credit score. So, you must diligently do your homework. Making a well-informed decision is the right step toward a hassle-free lease quitting.
Remember that laws are not the same in all the states. They seem to differ from state to state. However, here are some common tips and general advice so that you can quit a lease without losing any money and coming out practically unscathed.
Keep in Mind Your Relationship with the Landlord
Quitting your lease early could be an easy affair or an ordeal depending on the kind of relationship you shared with your landlord. If you barely had any interaction with your landlord and he merely knew your name, quitting an apartment lease could be easy as the landlord would not be having any qualms regarding losing your paperwork. You would certainly not be harassed for money once you go away.
Before you approach the landlord, you must consider your relationship history with him. This would help you in choosing the right strategy. If you were constantly quarrelling with your landlord and insisting on revenge repairs all the time during your stay, then, there could be one of the two possible outcomes. Your landlord would truly be jubilated to see you leave early or he would make it difficult for you as he would think that you are creating an unnecessary fuss again.
Consider Compromising a Bit
Most landlords are used to such situations and consider early lease quits as a part and parcel of life. They take it most naturally as they are conscious of the renting fact that a tenant is bound to move on after may be a few years. However, some landlords would be looking for some sort of compensation or ask you to pay penalties.
According to some legal and real estate experts you could make this process friction-free by finding a replacement lessee or offer to pay all the expenses of painting and cleaning once you leave. It is believed that offering to bring along a replacement takes care of the situation to a certain extent. No landlord would enjoy someone quitting the lease early, but if a replacement is offered, it comes as a saving grace. He is aware of the fact that lapses in occupancy could be pretty bad for his property.
Keep All Paperwork and Documents
You must keep all documentation relating to the lease safely, so that you could examine them before quitting a lease early. You need to be conversant with the tenancy rights in your state of residence. You must be extra cautious when you are signing the lease contract or agreement. Generally, state laws are known to provide robust tenant protection. The law is usually on your side, you can check the state law website for details. You must go through the lease agreement thoroughly and identify all your rights that are mentioned in the contract and in the specific state law. It is a good idea to seek Generic and professional advice.
Do not sign a lease carelessly. If you understand and evaluate the lease agreement before signing it, then you could avoid any costly penalties or undesired financial repercussions, if you need to quit without warning.