Breaking a lease

[cleo25]

I live in Michigan and have rented the same apartment for over 5 years. I am currently in my sixth lease. I am no longer working and my only income is from SSDI benefits. My rent is over half of my income and when electric heat is added it is over two-thirds of my income. I have three ways to break my lease: job transfer over 100 miles round trip; accepted in public or subsidized housing; physician says I am no longer allowed to live independently. The third reason applies to me. My physician has recommended that I move in with family until my medical condition improves substantially. The problem I have is that this requires a 60 day notice. I can no longer afford to stay in my apartment and afford the medical treatment required to keep me alive. Is there any provision in Michigan law that will allow me to break my lease due to my rent being over half of my income and waive the 60 day notice? I would appreciate any advice.

 

[LL]

Frankly, it seems to me that the State of Michigan has already been very generous to you in allowing you to break your lease with only 60 days notice. You want more, but it is not clear from your posting who you are expecting to pay any costs.

I suggest that you do the following:

1. Immediatly move out of your apartment and move in with your family.

2. As soon as the apartment is completely vacated, write to your landlord, telling him:
a) This is 60 days notice.
b) The apartment is vacant and immediatly available for re-rental.
c) Make an appointment to meet with the landlord and review the condition of the apartment.
d) Ask the landlord to (please) try to re-rent the apartment as soon as he can find a tenant, on your behalf.
e) Tell him that you will pay the rent as it comes due until the 60 days are up, or he finds a new tenant.
f) Authorize him to offer a rent discount for rent during the 60 days to any tenant who will take the apartment right away. Make it a large discount.

This will be your best shot to try to recover at least some of the rent during the 60 day notice period. Maybe you will get lucky.

Thank the landlord for his cooperation.