The Right Way To Break Your Apartment Rental Lease And Keep Everyone Happy

In a landlord's perfect world, apartment rental tenants would never have a reason to break a lease. But, many landlords and property management companies understand that sometimes unavoidable events occur that may require tenants to break a lease before the terms are up. If this happens to you, follow these simple steps to let your landlord know your intentions and keep everyone happy with the results.

Tell Your Landlord Early

It goes without saying that telling your landlord early about your need to break a lease will be met with the best reaction. If you know that your lease ends in six months but your company is requiring a transfer in four, tell the landlord or property management company as soon as possible. This gives them a chance to prepare and begin looking for a replacement tenant.

You signed the lease, which is a legally binding contract. If you've been happy with your home but are being transferred for an out of town job, tell your landlord immediately. Explain that without the move, you'd be happy to renew. Remain calm and your apartment rental landlord may let you break the lease without penalty. Remember that this is an extraordinarily kind thing for them to do and isn't a requirement. If the company absolutely refuses to release you from your obligation, that is their legal right. Check with your employer about a relocation package that pays the remainder of your lease for you - some larger employers are more than willing to help out if you're moving for a promotion.

If you happen to be in the military, your lease should have a military clause that allows you to break the lease without penalty due to a move. If your landlord isn't familiar with this, check with your base or post legal department and they'll be able to help you.

Try To Find A Replacement Tenant

Making an effort to find a replacement tenant may go a long way with your landlord. If you've been a good tenant and think they've been a good landlord, recommending them to family or friends can be an easy way to break your lease without penalty. Tell everyone that you're moving and are looking for someone to take over your lease. You never know who knows someone looking for an apartment rental.

Allow The Landlord To Show Your Apartment Rental

Allowing your landlord to show potential tenants your apartment will let them know you're willing to help them rent out your apartment. Just be sure to keep the apartment in a reasonably clean condition. Little things like making the bed, keeping dirty dishes out of the sink, and cleaning the bathroom regularly will help your landlord show off the apartment. It may be a small inconvenience, but remember your landlord is doing you a favor by not imposing the financial penalties that come with breaking your lease.

The more reasonable you are, the more likely your landlord is to allow you to break your lease without penalty. By showing your landlord or property management company you're willing to work with them, you'll be more likely to keep everyone happy.

About the Author: Christine O'Kelly is an author for Beal Property, a property management company. Beal Properties, LLC, specializes in apartment rentals in the Chicago area.