If I get laid off, can I break my lease without penalty?

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If I get laid off, can I break my lease without penalty?

Asked on January 21, 2016 under Real Estate Law, Ohio

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

The fact is that a lease is a contract, so unless there is a provision in it which would allow you to terminate early due to financial hardship, you won't be able to break it because you lost your job (and frankly, it's It unlikely that such a provision would be included).
However, you may be able to negotiate an early end to your lease. If not, you can try to find a relacement tenant to lease ot sub-lease your rental. Finally, if all else fails, know that a landlord is undera duty to "mitigate damages". This means that they cannot just let the unit sit empty until the end of your lease and charge you; they must atcively seek to re-rent it. Once they do, your financial obligation ends, however you would still be liable for the time that the rental was vacant. 


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