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Ask a Property Manager: 5 Ways to Break Your Lease Agreement

There's always a loop hole.

By LuluPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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We've all been there. We find ourselves in a situation, that for whatever reason, we need to get out of our lease agreements, but our landlord or property manager isn't exactly excited at the prospect of releasing you from your lease agreement.

Firstly, you should know that the beginning of this journey should always start with a friendly inquiry with the staff in your leasing office. Often times, you'll find that your property manager is able to release you of your lease agreement. There could be someone who is very interested in your apartment or they may want to renovate your unit unbeknownst to you and you are thus, doing them a favor. There are many scenarios in which it may be beneficial to your landlord to release you, so don't overlook starting off with a friendly conversation.

If that friendly chit-chat doesn't result in the vacating of your lease agreement as expected, keep reading.

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1. Clean Lease Break: There is always a clause within landlord/tenant lease agreements that allows you as the tenant to pay a buyout fee to release yourself free and clear of your lease agreements. Purposely prohibitive in nature, this can often be an expensive clause to execute. Usually a lease break clause permits you to provide a 30 or 60 day notice as well as a 1 or 2 month break fee and your lease would be considered vacated.

2. Rent Responsible: This is a second clause within the landlord/tenant agreement that stipulates that you are providing your landlord with notice that you need to vacate and that the landlord must now begin marketing your apartment to rent to a reasonable renter. This can often be a much more cost-effective option, especially when compared Lease Break costs.

It would be wise to remember that many landlords or property managers will not "show" or "tour" an apartment that is currently occupied for liability reasons. In order to increase your odds of getting your unit rented ASAP, vacate the premises so that your landlord can turn the apartment and make is as presentable and desirable as possible. You may even want to consider marketing the apartment yourself. Your landlord may have many units to lease and they will attempt to lease vacant ones before your occupied one. The law states that your landlord has to market your apartment, but there really are no penalties if your landlord lets your listing grow stale. Since you're on the hook for the lease until someone else moves in, make your best effort to get the word out that your unit is ready and available.

3. Medical Concerns: If you've recently had surgery, or another life-altering event, you may be able to have a Doctor write you a letter to the effect that in light of your disability, your home no longer meets your needs. An example of this might be: You lost your legs in a car accident and are no longer able to go up and down your stairs, or reach your kitchen cabinets. There are numerous reasons that your new disability may make your apartment unable to remain functional. It might help to mention ADA Compliance guidelines during your conversation with your property manager. It may help speed things along.

4. Safety Concerns: Did you have an altercation with your neighbor that left you uneasy and fearful? Is an ex coming around more than you are comfortable with and you are starting to wonder about your safety as you come and go? If so, make a request in writing to your management office. Often times, this situation will create enough urgency that your management will not want to take on the liability in the event something happens to you. If that doesn't quite do it, providing a restraining order will do the trick.

5. The Squeaky Wheel: Do you simply hate where you live? Voice your displeasure with your Property Manager. If they don't give you the response you are looking for, find out who the Regional or District Manager of the area is. You can usually find this information on the company site, but you may have to refer to LinkedIn and do a little digging. And if this doesn't do it, find out who the Vice President or Director of Operations is. Whenever you reach out them, they will be irritated that they even have to deal with you so they'll usually give you whatever it takes to shut you up and make you go away!

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About the Creator

Lulu

A woman of the world.

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