Breaking lease before move in? (how much, sign, cheap)

[ddrhazy]

I would ask you for more info such as how long has this place been on the market for but only the landlord would know that. This is my advice...

If you are certain you want out of the lease agreement the best thing to do would be to call tomorrow in the morning and tell him you have to break the lease. The landlord has been holding the rental for only 1 day so he hasn't had much of an "opportunity loss". I say try to get most of your deposit back if you can. He may try to hold the entire amount. Be polite but ask him to be reasonable.

The problem in these situations is that it's difficult to know what could happen in the future. Just because you believe he could rent it in a week may not actually be true. Maybe it takes him a month and if he returns your deposit that was actually money he was owed due to your not following through on your contract. Because of that it might be OK to offer to surrender a portion of the security. Start with $100 and go from there. Maybe you can get better advice in the New Jersey forums specific to the city and see what other landlords think would be fair. Goodluck.

[CityLife_Girl]

Originally Posted by CSD610

Anything is possible but only your particular landlord is the one who has to agree to any changes.

Of course! Completely agree with you. If you were a landlord, would you be willing to?

I know the worse case is he'll say no and I stay the full year but may end up on the wrong foot with him because of it.

[CityLife_Girl]

Originally Posted by ddrhazy

I would ask you for more info such as how long has this place been on the market for but only the landlord would know that. This is my advice...

If you are certain you want out of the lease agreement the best thing to do would be to call tomorrow in the morning and tell him you have to break the lease. The landlord has been holding the rental for only 1 day so he hasn't had much of an "opportunity loss". I say try to get most of your deposit back if you can. He may try to hold the entire amount. Be polite but ask him to be reasonable.

The problem in these situations is that it's difficult to know what could happen in the future. Just because you believe he could rent it in a week may not actually be true. Maybe it takes him a month and if he returns your deposit that was actually money he was owed due to your not following through on your contract. Because of that it might be OK to offer to surrender a portion of the security. Start with $100 and go from there. Maybe you can get better advice in the New Jersey forums specific to the city and see what other landlords think would be fair. Goodluck.

Thank you for your detailed explanation.
I really appreciate it!

I will think it over tonight and decide what to do.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

At a very minimum, you will need to give a 30 day notice. Maybe it gives the lease breaking fee in your lease.

What I would do if you were my tenant has no bearing on what your landlord would do. You are going to have to ask your landlord.

[Mr_Geek]

Ok I gotta ask. What made you want to change your mind so fast after signing the lease? What about the place don't you like? Just curious!

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by CityLife_Girl

Of course! Completely agree with you. If you were a landlord, would you be willing to?

I know the worse case is he'll say no and I stay the full year but may end up on the wrong foot with him because of it.

It depends on the situation, my mood and if I thought you had a sincere issue or renters remorse.
I cannot honestly answer a "what if" question.

[CityLife_Girl]

Originally Posted by CSD610

It depends on the situation, my mood and if I thought you had a sincere issue or renters remorse.
I cannot honestly answer a "what if" question.

Sounds fair enough, thanks.

[CityLife_Girl]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I spoke with the LL and he understood my concerns. He was very nice about it and I was able to back out without any ramifications.

Lesson learned, don't jump the gun.

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by CityLife_Girl

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I spoke with the LL and he understood my concerns. He was very nice about it and I was able to back out without any ramifications.

Lesson learned, don't jump the gun.

I am glad it worked out this time.

[CityLife_Girl]

Originally Posted by CSD610

I am glad it worked out this time.

Thank you! Me too. I felt bad so I compensated him for the cost to repost his vacancy.