What would happen if you move out of your apartment before your lease is up, and not pay the rest of the lease agreement?

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What would happen if you move out of your apartment before your lease is up, and not pay the rest of the lease agreement?

Asked on May 29, 2009 under Real Estate Law, Ohio

Answers:

J.V., Member, New Jersey Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

A lease is a binding contract which means you are required to follow through with the terms and conditions set forth in the lease itself or be liable to the other party for your breach. If you are moving out oftentimes a landlord will allow you to break the lease if another person replaces you and no rental income is lost as a result.

However assuming that is not the case you do run the risk of being sued for this break in the lease. You also will probably have to forfeit the security deposit and if you paid the last months rent up front you will lose that as well

You should speak to the landlord if you have a problem and try to come to an agreement so that you both are happy with the solution as opposed to just picking up and leaving. If you do decide to simply leave understand you may be subject to a proceeding if the landlord does pursue the matter


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