I would like to break my lease because I would like to move in with a friend so I can save money to return to school in the fall. I still have about 6 months left on my lease. What can I do? Thanks, Eddie
Dear Eddie,
The first thing to do is read your lease carefully. Some leases have what is called a “lease breaking clause” which will tell you exactly what to do as well as how much it will cost you. There is usually a fee associated with it. But there are also those leases which do not give you an out. You must remember that a lease is a legally binding contract to which you are obligated. Now for the good news - if you should break the lease and move out, your landlord is obligated to mitigate any damages. That means he must attempt to re-rent your apartment. To do so he may also charge you with any marketing expenses associated with the releasing of your apartment along with any other fees. If for some reason market conditions prevent him from finding a qualified renter to move in right away, you will be held responsible for the rent until an appropriate tenant is found to take your place.
There will also be other fees associated with moving in another renter. In the apartment world it is called a “turn-over fee”. These fees are connected with preparing the unit for a new renter. Did the landlord have to send in a painter and/or cleaner in order to re-rent your apartment? Charges such as these can also be charged to you as well.
If you feel that your landlord did not treat you fairly, contact a lawyer who has experience in landlord-tenant law. You may want to explore your options.
Moving Your Pet
Getting through the emotional stress of moving is difficult enough for adults and children. But what about pets, a species with whom we can't even level? Pet owners are often baffled by their pets' behavior during and after a move. Sometimes it's a personality change, a regression in housebreaking habits or a sudden unexplained illness. Even if you don't notice something that dramatic, there's no question that your faithful companion is feeling stress. How do you move your pet and keep the strain to an absolute minimum -- both to yourself and your beloved pet?
Is That Apartment Hazardous to Your Health?
When you sign a lease committing yourself to a unit in an apartment complex or building, you're agreeing to live in close quarters with strangers. You're also making the assumption that your building will be properly managed and maintained. That includes such factors as air quality and adequate pest control. As a tenant, you have rights, of course, but some of the most serious threats to your health -- such as carbon monoxide -- are ones you can't even see or smell.
Does The Landlord Have To Clean The Apartment Before I Move In?
QUESTION:What can I do about a landlord who promised a clean and newly painted apartment before we moved in, but didn't deliver? We have moved in because we had nowhere else to go, but I am concerned about our children's health and the total well-being of our family. Can I report the unhealthy living conditions to the health department? Please let me know of my legal rights or how to go about this problem in a dignified manner.
