Want to break lease, need advice

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by kmicko

So if we had proof of our security deposit they would be required to pay it back to us in full regardless of the condition of the apartment and then bill us separately for damages? Sorry, want to make sure I understand. Every place I've lived before took damages out of the security deposit and refunded the remainder...

You will only receive a deposit return for the amount that excedes and damages or unpaid rent...

You will be sent an invoice for the balance in the event damages exceed the amount of deposit held.

Security Deposits provide a monetary incentive not to damage the unit and leverage to the owner to insure the Rental Agreement is honored...

[CptnRn]

Be sure that you photograph the condition of the apartment when you move out so you have proof regarding the condition, in case they try to charge you for an unreasonable amount of repairs. I assume your lease describes the security deposit, so that is proof in it self that you paid it. Otherwise why would they have let you occupy the property?

Familiarize yourself with your states landlord-tenant laws. Failure to provide all of the services you should have received, such as internet, may not be sufficient justification to walk away from the lease. However, it may be justification for withholding part of the lease payment. When relationships get this bad between tenants and landlords it probably would be worth your while to consult an attorney. If you walk away from the lease with out adequate justification and documentation it could end up being a black mark on your credit history that could haunt you for ages. Better to do it all legally with proper notice and documentation.