NJ break lease – landlord wants me to pay broker fee
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NJ break lease – landlord wants me to pay broker fee
So I need to break my lease. I know I am responsible to pay for the rent until
a new lessor is found, I am perfectly content with doing so. I’d continue to
use the place until someone is found place is on beach and nice place to go on
weekends. I plan on moving in with girlfriend permanently so I’d like to do
this quicker in order to save some money.
However, in requesting to break my lease early, my landlord is asking me to pay
his broker to find a new lessor and continue paying rent until new lessor is
found.
I don’t think its justified for me to pay the broker and I can accept paying
rent until a new lessor is found. What are my options? Id rather just say
I’ll give him 2 months rent and move out immediately or work some negotiation.
He seems adamant upon sticking to me paying broker fee.
Asked on July 18, 2016 under Real Estate Law, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You do not need to pay the landlord's broker fee unless the lease itself says that you do. You have to continue paying rent until the earlier of the unit being re-rented (and note: the landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-lease the premises) or the expiration of your current lease term. The landlord may, if you do not pay, apply your security deposit to any amounts you owe (i.e. he does not have to return it) and, if the deposit does not fully cover any amounts you owe, may sue you for the balance.
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