Etiquette on Breaking House Rental Lease

Do NOT sublease! First, your lease probably forbids it. Second, who do you think is ultimately responsible for rent and damages? YOU!

OK, most individuals are not going to hold you to a lease, assuming you haven't done anything to screw them over. Give them as much advance notice as you can, but at least 30 days notice. And leave the house SPOTLESS. Do that, and they will likely let you out of your lease and refund most of your security deposit. But if you move out without notice or trash the place, they certainly won't refund your deposit and may come after you in court.

Now big companies and owners with multiple properties are another thing. They are likely to have the resources and desire to take you to court or trash your credit rating if you break your lease.

Personally, I always do a month-to-month lease. I see no reason to make someone stay in a house they don't want to live in. Plus it makes it a lot simpler to evict someone if they're on a month-to-month lease.

Usually, if you do something to abandon the property such as an early lease termination, then the landlord retains all rights stated in the lease and can proceed per the terms of the lease, most people who try to negotiate an early termination and live up their end of the deal, won't have a problem with a landlord, (it does help to have a good natured and understanding landlord), the one I broke the lease with was the absolute best, nicest people I've ever rented from, they used to send $25 every christmas which was unecessary, I'd send em $25 back everytime, they did this for all their tenants.

I've also painted many a place before leaving, really nice gesture, especially if you take the time to do a nice job and not slop the paint all over the receptacles and floors, use a drop cloth etc.,

Just gotta iron out all the specifics first, of course. : )

Wear protection, the frostbite warnings in northern MN are for real.

--->Paul

My point is that if your backing out of your lease, income that your landlord may have counted on to pay the insurance and taxes on the property or pledged to something else, make certain that you leave it better than you may have even found it. Your the one needing to break the lease, not them. Let them know they can show the place prior to your leaving so your part is to keep it presentable while your there. I like the suggestion that you may try to rent it for them, maybe take out an ad giving both your numbers as contact. A few dollars expense on your part could save you a few hundred on the terms of the lease and your deposit..

Good luck either way.

I have a farm house I rent out, and I usually write the lease for a year at a time. But--peoples circumstances change and if they're open and up front about it, I'll work with them.

On a personal note, the biggest problem I have is dogs. They have a way of appearing after you have a "no pets" clause in the lease. Over the years, every single time I've had a confrontation with a renter, there was one or more dogs at the bottom of it. People move out to the country from in town and think they can just let a dog run loose all day. It's unbelievable how much mischief a dog can get into if not properly supervised and trained.

Open Communication is the key. Let them know you as soon as possible. let them know why. Keep the place cleen and leave it clean when you leave.

They could take it to court and get a judgement, but this is time and trouble for them... Don't give them a reason for wanting to go that route by respecting their place and making it ready for the next person.

They may push for the rest of the amount but be kind and tell them you what you do and you do not have the ability to do.

Also, If you are moving out for because their rent is too high, talk to them about it. They may decide (if you are a good prompt payer, who does not complain or cause problems) that it is in their best interest to lower your rent than to take a risk on the next person.

REMEMBER BIG KEY IS COMMUNICATION. Keep them informed on what your plans are.

In Michigan, it's difficult (legally) for a landlord to keep a security deposit. The landlord has to have notarized pictures before and after to prove damages. You situation may be different and it would likely hinge on the language in the lease agreement.

"The landlords are nice folks, farmers that live right next door, so I don"t think they"ll be too hard on me"

Most people are pretty understanding and don"t like surprises.

I would just let them know what"s going on---if you are planning on giving a 2 month notice anyway, that would at earliest mean a moving date of March.

That only leave 3 months of the lease left. Hopefully, they could have it rented out by that time and let you out of the lease.

Just one opinion--

Tim