I recently was laid off from work and can’t afford my rent. CanI break my lease if I have 8 months left into my contract?
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I recently was laid off from work and can’t afford my rent. CanI break my lease if I have 8 months left into my contract?
Asked on June 18, 2009 under Real Estate Law, New Jersey
Answers:
J.M.A., Member in Good Standing of the Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
I am a lawyer and practice in this area. I am not certain that breaking the lease is what you want to do. I suggest first talking to the landlord about the situation. Maybe he will agree to let you slide for a few months till you get a new job. If he does, make sure that agreement is in writing. You can also try to pay a compromised amount as a payoff of the balance of the term to avoid a judgment against you for not paying the balance of the rent. Try to work this out b4 breaching the lease and creating a new problem.
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