Can I leave my apartment without damaging my credit?
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Can I leave my apartment without damaging my credit?
I have been living in my apartment for 6 months; I signed a lease for 12. I can no longer afford the rent here and am looking for a way out without being evicted. I know that if I’m even 1 day late paying rent, a notice is left in my door stating I have 3 days to leave, or an eviction will be filed. If I take the opportunity, and leave within the 3 days, can the management still come after me for the money for the next 6 months? Can they report it to my credit, even though they asked me to leave?
Asked on August 6, 2011 Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, if you leave after not paying the rent or paying it late, the landlord can still sue you for the remaining balance of the rent, and a default may be reported on your credit score. You would avoid having an eviction reported as well, as well as avoid having to deal with court and court officers, but that's about all you'd save. Unfortunately, no longer being able to afford the space is not a valid ground to terminate the lease; if you leave for that reason, you will be in breach. Your options are:
1) Bring in a roommate to help you pay;
2) Sublet to someone else;
3) Find someone to take the lease over entirely (assiging the lease);
(Note: some leases forbid assignment and/or subletting, or taking in roommates; you need to check what your lease allows.)
4) Negotiate with your landlord--will he let you leave early, under some circumstances?
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