Leases and deposits
How do I break my lease early?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Start by reading your lease for an early termination clause, then talk to your landlord before you stop paying or move out. The usual options are paying a set fee, finding a replacement tenant, subletting if the lease allows it, or negotiating a buyout. Leaving without an agreement can mean owing rent until the unit is re-rented.
- Find the clause. Look for early termination, lease break, assignment or subletting. Some leases set a flat fee, often one or two months' rent, plus a notice period.
- Ask in writing. Say when you need to leave and what you are offering. Landlords agree more often when you give plenty of notice and help re-rent the unit.
- Help find a replacement. With the landlord's permission, advertise the unit yourself and send qualified applicants their way. A lease takeover post in one of the local housing groups can reach renters fast.
- Get the release in writing, stating the date your rent obligation ends and how your deposit will be handled.
If the landlord won't agree, many states still require them to make a reasonable effort to re-rent the unit instead of charging you for every remaining month. You would usually owe rent until a new tenant starts, plus reasonable advertising costs.
Some situations come with legal protection. Active-duty servicemembers who receive orders can usually end a lease under federal law, and many states let survivors of domestic violence end a lease early with proper notice. Check your state's rules before relying on either. If a sublet is the better fit, see sublet questions.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting Your First Apartment: Applications, Leases and Move-in Costs.