Breaking an apartment lease isn’t something you usually plan for. But sometimes, the unexpected happens or your situation changes, and you need to move before your lease is up.
From new job offers, to family emergencies, to moving in with your partner, or facing financial challenges, life can throw you curve balls. Whatever the reason, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how to break a lease early without draining your savings or impacting your rental history.
Legal reasons you can break a lease without penalty
In some situations, you have the legal right to break your lease without paying extra fees. Here are a few examples:
– Military deployment or transfers: If you’re active-duty military and receive deployment or relocation orders, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) lets you break your lease legally without penalties.
– Unlivable apartment conditions: Serious issues like major plumbing or heating problems or mold that your landlord can’t fix to ensure safe living conditions may give you the grounds to break your lease. This is often called a “constructive eviction.”
Tip: Renters insurance often covers additional living expenses (ALE) when an apartment becomes unlivable for reasons beyond your control. That means your policy could pay for temporary housing, meals, and other costs while you find a new place to live.
– Domestic violence protection: Many states allow survivors of domestic violence to legally end their lease early for safety reasons. Check your state laws for specific protections.
One factor you should keep in mind is local laws vary. It’s important to check your area’s renter protection laws or consult a local legal expert before making your next move. If you need help, your local housing authority or legal aid offices can offer great resources.
How to break a lease early while following the rules
Read your lease agreement
The first and most important step is understanding the details of your lease agreement. Look for sections about early termination, break fees, or subletting, and read the fine print.
Some documents outline exactly how you can break a lease early, including what it might cost. Common early termination fees range from one to three months’ rent. Some may even offer a lease break option for a set fee.
Consider subletting when possible
If your lease agreement allows subletting, you may find someone to take over your lease for the remaining term. This can be a win for everyone involved: you get out of your lease, the new person gets a place to live, and your landlord can keep rent coming in without a gap. Be sure to keep your landlord informed about any changes you’re considering.
If the lease doesn’t mention subletting, bring it up with your landlord and follow their decision. If they don’t agree, discuss other options on how to break a lease.
Talk to your landlord or property manager
If you plan to move out early, have an honest conversation with your landlord. Let them know why you need to leave and try to give as much notice as you can — ideally 30 to 60 days.
Most landlords appreciate the transparency and may be willing to work with you. Being respectful and upfront often makes all the difference.
Help find a new renter
Your landlord may ask you to help market the apartment or inform friends about availability to ease their financial concerns. The easier you make it for your landlord, the faster they can fill the spot, and the sooner you can walk away penalty-free without impacting your rental history.
Here’s how you can help with the process:
– Post the listing on apartment rental sites and even your social media.
– Clean the apartment for showings.
– Offer flexible times for others to visit the apartment.
Negotiate an exit agreement
If none of the above options on how to break a lease fit your situation, don’t worry — you can still negotiate an exit. When you talk to your landlord, you can offer to forfeit your security deposit in exchange for not paying future rent or offer a set amount to cover the cost of finding a new renter. Another way to negotiate is to seek a move-out date that works well for both of you.
Once you find a middle ground, it’s better to have an exit agreement in writing, even if it’s simple. This way, you and your landlord know exactly what to expect.
Planning ahead
If you think there’s a chance you might need flexibility, here’s how you can prepare yourself next time you sign a lease:
– Look for leases that offer a month-to-month option after the first year.
– Ask the landlord if the lease agreement includes an early termination clause.
– Consider paying for renters insurance to cover some moving expenses during emergencies. It won’t cover breaking a lease but can help with unexpected costs.
– Keep open communication with your landlord throughout your lease.
Learning how to break a lease the right way can save you serious money and stress. Even if it isn’t always easy, with a little planning and the right approach, you can move without leaving a financial mess behind. The key is to stay proactive, respectful, and organized to set yourself up for a smooth exit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still wondering about how to break a lease the right way? Here are a few more common questions renters ask when they’re thinking about ending a lease early:
If you break your lease without an agreement and don’t pay what you owe, your landlord can send the debt to collections. This could damage your credit score and make it harder to rent in the future.
It’s best to give at least 30 to 60 days’ notice if possible. Check your lease agreement — it might specify exactly how much notice you need to give.
Some states allow you to break a lease without penalty for a new job in a different city, but it’s not guaranteed. Always check your lease for early termination options and review local renter laws for specific rules.
Renters insurance doesn’t cover lease-breaking fees, but it does protect your belongings during your move and covers accidents or damages during the moving process. Always keep your policy active during a move.
