renew lease - New York City - renter add out clause??? (apartment, attorney)

[DominoLouise]

Have been in the same apartment for 4 years. Lease is up, scared to sign 2 year. Will go for 1 year. Can the renter add a 30 day out clause because I may be one of the hopeless millions loosing my job to downsizing.

Can I write it in and hope they will sign? Do I need an Attorney?

Thanks Everyone

[Viralmd]

You can add it, but doubt the landlord would sign it.

[cirlin6]

My landlord allowed me to write in an option to vacate the lease with 30 days notice similar to what you're describing. But I don't know if he would do that in the current climate with the market being softer and all. I did not do it with an attorney...just have HIM write exactly what you want done in the lease. Whoever writes the clause will be responsible for making it clear in writing if there ever was a disagreement.

[arangoa79]

In all reality if you do break the lease not many land lords would chase after the tenant, you may just lose out on your security deposit. I had a tenant break the lease due to financial hardship, it would cost me more to get money from them through a lawsuit. I just used that energy to find another tenant which I did with no problem. Now if your apartment is run by a property management firm then they may send it to collections. If your in a apartment is owned by someone who just owns one or two properties I would not worry about breaking your lease.

[DominoLouise]

Thank you all for sending your information. The problem now is I just got let go. Down sized. More upset and don't know if I can find a way to stay in New York.

Just one of the many many thousands.

Thank you all.