Leaving before the end of my lease

[bevalex]

What is the name of your state? New York

Hi. I signed a 2-year lease but I lost my job and knew I would soon no longer be able to pay the rent. So I decided to move out of state and stay with my daughter. I gave the landlord 6 weeks notice that I had to move out and he did not respond so I thought everything was ok. After moving out he inspected the apartment and said that everything was fine but he would not be returning my security deposit because I broke my lease. He also said that I would be responsible for paying rent until the end of my lease even if I moved out.

Can he do this? It wasn't listed anywhere in my lease that I couldn't move out before the end of the term and I thought that 6 weeks notice was enough. PLS HELP!

 

[justalayman]

Yes he can, with an exception. A lease is a contract for you to rent for a specified period of time. It protects both you and the landlord. While the LL cannot raise rent, change rules, etc., he is guaranteed an income for the length of the lease.

Now to the exception. The LL has to attempt to re-rent the apartment. If/when he finds a new tenant, your obligation will then end and not before. You are also responsible for "advertising fees" associated with renting the apartment as well.

 

[ENASNI]

What he said ^^^^

Also it would behoove you to try to advertise to rent yourself.


( Did I spell that word right? I am too lazy to look. )

 

[bevalex]

Anther question...

Did he have an obligation to explain this to me when I gave written notice. Since it wasn't in my lease I really didn't know and since he never responsed to my letter I thought everything was okay...

 

[ENASNI]

You mean to say a Two year Lease did not have a cancel clause???

 

[bevalex]

No

It did not...

 

[ENASNI]

Three words

It did not...

Wait for YAG.