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?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

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 15 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.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption