Can we be held responsible for a early termination to a company in Florida when we now live in SC. We had to leave due to job loss.
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Can we be held responsible for a early termination to a company in Florida when we now live in SC. We had to leave due to job loss.
What action can they take when we no longer live in The state where the lease was signed
Asked on June 4, 2009 under Real Estate Law, South Carolina
Answers:
N. K., Member, Iowa and Illinois Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
If you terminated the lease before it was due to expire, you can be held liable for the remaining rent due on the lease. However, if the landlord rented your apartment after you left, then you are only liable for the remaining time when the apartment was not rented/occupied by the new tenants.
The company could sue you in court for the rent you do owe and get a judgment against you. They have to serve you with notice of the suit, but if you left no forwarding address, they can send the notice to the last known address. If the last known address is in Florida, it is possible for them to get a default judgment against you. This is a judgment awarded when the party being sued fails to answer the suit.
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