No tenant wants to break their lease, but getting a job in another city, family issues, or medical problems sometimes make moving unavoidable. Many leases include penalties for early termination, which may amount to thousands of dollars in fees you may not be able to afford. Fortunately, landlord-tenant law does provide a few ways for you to break a lease without penalties.

3 Ways to Break a Lease Without Consequences

1. Breach of Contract

Landlord-tenant law suggests that it’s the landlord’s responsibility to provide a safe, livable environment for their tenants, ensuring that plumbing, heat and cooling, and other systems are functioning properly at all times. Your lease may outline the landlord’s many obligations, such as ensuring the building remains secure and providing early notice of entry. Failing to perform necessary repairs or fulfill the legal responsibilities described in the lease can be considered a breach of contract, which releases you of your own responsibility.

2. Review Your Lease Carefully

Some landlords include provisions in their leases that allow tenants to terminate the contract in case of divorce, extreme financial hardship, or family emergencies. Before deciding on a course of action, it’s wise to hire an attorney with a background in landlord-tenant law to review your lease.

3. Ask About Payment Plans

Filing a lawsuit against a tenant is an expensive and time-consuming project most landlords would prefer to avoid. If you cannot afford to make payments and you still have several months left on your lease, ask your landlord if you can make the rest of the payments over a period of 12 to 24 months. This way, you avoid paying fees.

If you’re involved in a dispute or need to terminate your lease, the legal team at Bernardini Law P.C. will provide the effective solutions you need. Their team has extensive experience with everything from real estate closing to landlord-tenant law. Visit their website for an overview of their services or call (978) 794-5525 to schedule a consultation.