Is there a penalty if I break my lease early due to relocation?
Question Details:
I work for an airline in GA. Recently I was told that my department will no longer be operated up here that my only choice is to move to FL. I have been told that I have to pay the next 2 months, plus my deposit. Is there anything that I can do? Now I'm faced with paying for both my apartment here and now my new one.
I recommend that you contact the GA State Bar Association or the local bar association in the city or county you live in about their lawyer referral service.
You'll need to give them written notice, before the end of the month, that you are moving out as of January 31, 2010 (it doesn't matter, if it works out that you're actually going to be out of there earlier). Even if you only have a month-to-month lease, that's the earliest effective date "out" that you can give that matters. You will be liable for January's rent.
If you can get out earlier, do so. The landlord has a duty to use "commercially reasonable" means to find a new tenant, and you're only liable for unpaid rent that the landlord can't recover from a new tenant. You shouldn't have to lose your deposit, in addition to the January rent; if you don't get the money back in the time allowed by law, you'll have to sue.
