How much does it cost to break a lease?
Typical costs
If you break a lease without legal justification, you are usually responsible for the rent until the lease ends or until the landlord finds a new tenant. This could be thousands of dollars depending on your rent and how much time is left.
Many leases include an early termination clause that lets you pay a fixed fee, often one to two months' rent, instead of the remaining balance. Some landlords may also charge additional fees for cleaning, advertising, or lost rent.
- Remaining rent until re-rented or lease ends
- Early termination fee: typically 1-2 months' rent
- Lost security deposit
- Advertising or re-rental fees
- Legal fees if landlord sues
How to reduce the cost
You can reduce costs by negotiating with your landlord, finding a replacement tenant, or using a lease-break service. Some states require landlords to mitigate damages, so if they re-rent quickly, your obligation may be limited.
If you have a legal justification like military deployment or uninhabitable conditions, you may owe nothing. Always check your lease and state law first.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the cost is always just the security deposit; it can be much higher.
- Not reading the lease for early termination clauses that might cap your costs.
- Forgetting that you may still owe rent even after you move out.
