What will happen if I get sued from walking away from a lease?

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What will happen if I get sued from walking away from a lease?

Asked on September 12, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Massachusetts

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

A lease is a contract; if you violate it, such as by "walking away" from it before its term is up, the landlord can sue you for all the money still due under the lease. Example: 12 month lease, $1,000 per month, you pay 5 months rent and then walk away; you still owe for the remaining 7 months of the lease term, which means you still owe $7,000. The landlord may apply your security deposit to the rent you owe for breaching the lease, then sue you for the remaining balance. You could also, depending on the terms of the lease, potentially be liable for legal fees; for late or termination or reletting fees; and for court costs. And you will have a default on your credit rating. In short, the consequences can be very serious.


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