Can I break my lease within 24 hours after signing?
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Can I break my lease within 24 hours after signing?
I signed a lease on Friday and due to some issues that occurred afterward I cannot move. I called him the following day (Saturday) and told him about the issue. Since it was 24 hours later can I get my money back?
Asked on September 4, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, you have no right to break your lease within 24 hours; for that matter, you have no right to break it within 24 minutes. A lease is a contract. Once the parties show their agreement to the contract by signing it, they are bound--so the moment you sign your name, you are obligated for the full lease term and for all the rent due under it. Therefore, if you break your lease, the landlord may sue you for rent you would owe under the entire length of the lease (though if he or she manages to re-rent the premises sooner, before the end of the lease term, the landlord cannot get money from you for the time he or she has a new tenant). Any deposits, or first or last months rent you paid, may be applied to the rent you would owe.
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