Breaking a lease gracefully, LL being uncooperative

[johnp292]

Originally Posted by STT Resident

I've dealt with hundreds of leases over many years and have never seen this stipulated in even one. There is legal provision for military personnel being deployed.

It happens. I had one like that once, and used that very clause to end the lease early with the proper notice.

[STT Resident]

^^^ I don't doubt you at all but it's highly unusual.

[confusedasusual]

A coworker of mine (also a federal employee) told me to get a clause written into leases in the future that allows to break without penalty if transferred in the interest of the federal government. She said that you can even get the legal dept in most activities to draw up a standard letter stating that you may be required to leave. I had no idea. I wish I had known! I don't think that LLs in New Orleans are used to dealing with feds or military as much as in other places I have lived. I have moved tons of times for work, and never had this issue or anything close to it.

[STT Resident]

Originally Posted by confusedasusual

A coworker of mine (also a federal employee) told me to get a clause written into leases in the future that allows to break without penalty if transferred in the interest of the federal government. She said that you can even get the legal dept in most activities to draw up a standard letter stating that you may be required to leave. I had no idea. I wish I had known! I don't think that LLs in New Orleans are used to dealing with feds or military as much as in other places I have lived. I have moved tons of times for work, and never had this issue or anything close to it.

If you can persuade the LL to agree to such a clause then that would work for you. But, unlike the military deployment situation which is mandated by Federal law, such a clause is at the option of the individual LL and you can't rely on it being agreed to.

[confusedasusual]

Being transferred for work when functions disappear, large reductions in force happen and military bases are closed or realigned (if you work for DoD as a civilian) ARE mandated by Title 5 USC. Military activity mostly falls under Title 38 USC. Both are federal laws. Civilians can also be deployed. DoD has an expeditionary workforce of civilian personnel who go into danger zones.

I think there is widespread misunderstanding about what it means to be a civil servant. If the government tells you you are going somewhere, you have zero choice but to go or quit. When I lived in DC, because there were so many people who worked for the fed, there was a lot more awareness. Here, not so much. I think what my coworker was saying is that these types of moves should be treated legally in much the same way as military moves.

[STT Resident]

Originally Posted by confusedasusual

I think what my coworker was saying is that these types of moves should be treated legally in much the same way as military moves.

If they are legally mandated then of course there's no question that a LL has to allow them. If a LL isn't aware of such laws then obviously one would bring it to his/her attention. If someone feels that the present law is too restrictive then they should lobby to have it changed. You have no argument from me!

[johnp292]

Originally Posted by STT Resident

^^^ I don't doubt you at all but it's highly unusual.

In my case it was at a garden apartment complex that I think catered to corporate types. It may be that such a clause made sense for them considering the nature of their clientele. There was also an out in the lease if you bought a house. In both cases, you had to have been there at least six months and you had to give 60 days notice. I did that, and they gave me my full deposit back.