Breaking a Lease *UPDATED*

[HardcoreRobot]

I have been a great tenant so far, although a terrible situation has come up in which I may have to move or lose my job. I cant lose my job.

I entered into a 1-yr lease starting July 1st, and pretty much need to get out ASAP. In the lease I dont really see any specific mention of what happens if I leave early. Am I allowed to leave at any time, and the year just specifies when SHE can choose to terminate it? It does say I forfeit my security deposit if I dont give 60 days notice, which I can do, but is that just referring to at the end of the lease? I live in VA, and I didnt find any good info on this PAGE but I dont really know what to look for.

I share a townhouse with the owner and another person. I dont want to stick the landlord with an empty room, bc I feel crappy for breaking my word. But, I gotta get out. How strong is the landlords grip on my balls?

*UPDATE*
I talked with her and she was very understanding. I basically offered to pay rent for the next month while she finds someone to replace me. I am going to try and get a new place starting in September. So I will have to pay double for one month (at most), but I AM VERY RELIEVED. PHEW

 

[EULA]

pay the remaining lease and move...

 

[HardcoreRobot]

that would be 6000. i cant afford that.

 

[Mermaidman]

Usually, you are responsible for paying off the rest of the lease, but
1) The landlord may be nice and just charge you a month or two, or
2) If landlord gets another renter, then you can be off the hook.

Are you sure it's not specified in the lease? Good luck.

 

[Quad]

can you sublet your spot in the house?

 

[welst10]

Find a "truth in renting" booklet issued by your state gov.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

Originally posted by: Quad
can you sublet your spot in the house?

I hadn't thought about this. This may be an option, although it is not stated in the lease.
I think my best bet right now is to just plead with her and help her find a new person to let me off the hook.

 

[waggy]

you are not screwed.

1) Try to sublease the apartment. but you should check the lease to see if you can.

2) call and talk to the landlord. You never know they may let you out.

3) IF you have to move thats ok. They can't force you to pay the whole lease off. They have to do there best to find a new renter. But you will be on the hook for the time it takes.



but welst10 is right. find the truth in renting booklet. Every town has one. But those 3 options are usually it.

 

[nitsuj3580]

I know every apartment I've had lets you out of a lease but usually with a 1-2 month rent penalty fee

 

[Orsorum]

You should be able to sublease, or if you do move out you probably forfeit a security deposit along with a few months' rent.

 

[AMDMaddness]

most lease contracts have a "have to move away clause" if you have to move more than 50miles then they let you off your lease at least that was in all three contracts I ever had..... read yours over carefully.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

update at top for those interested

 

[HardcoreRobot]

double pen... err post