How can I end my lease payments early?
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How can I end my lease payments early?
We provided notice via e-mail to our property manager on 05/22 of concerns regarding affording monthly lease payments due to a lost job. At the beginning of June, an early termination agreement was signed after the property manager stated there was no early termination allowed. Within the agreement, we are released from the lease obligation if the unit is rented or at the end of our lease term 09/30. The property has only been shown 3 times, of which we were required to be available for showing. The rental amount was increased and the property listing is very broad and undetailed. We have found the listing on Zillow. Without a termination clause, other than real estate jargon that mentions something of a 60 day notice, is there any way to fight the continued rent payments until 09/30?
Asked on August 3, 2017 under Real Estate Law, Virginia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
No, if there is no early termination clause in the lease itself, with which you have complied, it's up to the landlord to let you out early (if they choose to do so) and under what terms. A job loss or other economic or personal issue not caused by the landlord provides no basis for escaping the lease early, unfortunately. As a general rule, only if the other party does something impairing your performance of or adherance to the lease/contract, or violating your rights under it, can you get out of your obligations early.
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