Cancelling apartment prior to move-in due to family Illness (lease, renters, deposit)

[jfv57]

I recently signed a 1 year lease for an apartment for the upcoming semister (1 Sep 2013 - 31 Aug 2014) in Boston and just found out my dad is very sick (he's a disabled Army Veteran who received a medical discharge Jan 2012 due to injuries) and I'll need to go home to help with his care. Is there any way I can get my rental deposit and last months rent back for the rental agent? Thanks in advance

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by jfv57

Is there any way I can get my rental deposit and last months rent back...?

Of course. Start by asking nicely the SECOND you know.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

It makes no difference that your dad is sick. It makes no difference that he is a veteran. Neither of those issues are relevant in any way.

What does your lease say about cancellations? Contact the management company and make arrangements. I would guess that you won't get your deposit back, and you will be lucky if that is all it costs you. But you won't know until you talk to management.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Unfortunately, legally, in Massachusetts, landlords are not required to mitigate damages. So, you can be held liable for the rent, at least until Ll finds someone new.

Here's the link to the law, use your search feature to find it (control F) then put in Massachusetts:

http://dirt.umkc.edu/files/mitigationsurvey.htm

So, your best bet is to try and work out a deal with the landlord. Unfortunately, the law is not on your side. But, if you learn the LL has rented to someone else, you can sue under the premise the LL is not allowed to double dip (collect rent for the same period from 2 different renters).