Question: are landlords liable if someone breaks in a hurts tenant

Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property? | OpenJurist Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property?
Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property?
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 To do this, the injured person must show that: the landlord had control over the problem that caused the injury,
the accident was foreseeable,
fixing the problem (or at least giving adequate warnings) would not have been unreasonably expensive or difficult,
a serious injury was the probable consequence of not fixing the problem,
the landlord failed to take reasonable steps to avert the accident,
the landlord's failure-his negligence caused the tenant's accident, and
the tenant was genuinely hurt. For example, if a tenant falls and breaks his ankle on a broken front door step, the landlord will be liable if the tenant can show that: it was the landlord's responsibility to maintain the steps (this would usually be the case, because the steps are part of the common area, which is the landlord's responsibility)
an accident of this type was foreseeable (falling on a broken step is highly likely)
a repair would have been easy or inexpensive (fixing a broken step is a minor job)
the probable result of a broken step is a serious injury (a fall certainly qualifies)
the landlord failed to take reasonable measures to maintain the steps (this will be easy to prove if the step was broken for weeks, or even days, but less so if the step broke five minutes earlier and showed no previous signs of weakening)
the broken step caused the injury (this is easy to prove if the tenant has a witness to the fall, but might be hard if there are no witnesses and the landlord claims that the tenant really got hurt somewhere else and is attempting to pin the blame on the landlord), and
the tenant is really hurt (in the case of a broken bone, this is easy to establish). A tenant can file a personal injury lawsuit for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and other physical suffering, permanent physical disability, disfigurement, and emotional distress. A tenant can also sue for property damage that results from faulty maintenance or unsafe conditions. Ask an Attorney
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Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property? | OpenJurist

Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property?
Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property?
Ask an Attorney

Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property? | OpenJurist Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property?
Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property?
Ask an Attorney
 Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property? | OpenJurist
Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property? Advertisement
Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on the rental property? A landlord may be liable to the tenant--or others-for injuries caused by dangerous or defective conditions on the rental property. In order to hold the landlord responsible, the tenant must prove that the landlord was negligent and that the landlord's negligence caused an injury. To do this, the injured person must show that: the landlord had control over the problem that caused the injury,
the accident was foreseeable,
fixing the problem (or at least giving adequate warnings) would not have been unreasonably expensive or difficult,
a serious injury was the probable consequence of not fixing the problem,
the landlord failed to take reasonable steps to avert the accident,
the landlord's failure-his negligence caused the tenant's accident, and
the tenant was genuinely hurt. For example, if a tenant falls and breaks his ankle on a broken front door step, the landlord will be liable if the tenant can show that: it was the landlord's responsibility to maintain the steps (this would usually be the case, because the steps are part of the common area, which is the landlord's responsibility)
an accident of this type was foreseeable (falling on a broken step is highly likely)
a repair would have been easy or inexpensive (fixing a broken step is a minor job)
the probable result of a broken step is a serious injury (a fall certainly qualifies)
the landlord failed to take reasonable measures to maintain the steps (this will be easy to prove if the step was broken for weeks, or even days, but less so if the step broke five minutes earlier and showed no previous signs of weakening)
the broken step caused the injury (this is easy to prove if the tenant has a witness to the fall, but might be hard if there are no witnesses and the landlord claims that the tenant really got hurt somewhere else and is attempting to pin the blame on the landlord), and
the tenant is really hurt (in the case of a broken bone, this is easy to establish). A tenant can file a personal injury lawsuit for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and other physical suffering, permanent physical disability, disfigurement, and emotional distress.

Landlord Liability and Property Management Liability - TorkLaw
What is Landlord Liability
About Landlord Liability
Determining Accountability
Seek Legal Advice
 What is Landlord Liability
Landlord liability is a form of premises liability that holds a property owner accountable for injuries that are sustained by residents or even pedestrians on the owner’s property; for example, someone who trips and falls on a cracked sidewalk. Other types of dangers, such as faulty wiring or toxic mold are also categorized under landlord liability. Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain the property so it is safe and suitable for human habitation. If they fail in this duty, and residents are hurt, they can be held legally responsible, or liable. About Landlord Liability
An apartment or property owner (landlord or lessor) who leases an apartment can be held liable to the tenant (lessee) and the tenant’s guests for dangerous conditions existing in the apartment unit that the landlord does not inform the tenant about and the dangerous condition is not obvious. Before leasing an apartment unit to a prospective tenant, the apartment owner has a duty to ensure it is safe from dangerous conditions based on what a reasonable inspection would normally disclose. The landlord is not required to take extraordinary measures to discover every potential hazard unless the circumstances justify it. If a dangerous condition arises in the apartment unit that the tenant promptly reports to the landlord, the landlord must repair it within a reasonable period of time after learning of the dangerous condition. A landlord generally is not liable for dangerous condition in the tenant’s apartment that come into existence after the tenant takes possession:

Landlord Liability and Property Management Liability - TorkLaw

What is Landlord Liability
About Landlord Liability
Determining Accountability
Seek Legal Advice

What is Landlord Liability
Landlord liability is a form of premises liability that holds a property owner accountable for injuries that are sustained by residents or even pedestrians on the owner’s property; for example, someone who trips and falls on a cracked sidewalk. Other types of dangers, such as faulty wiring or toxic mold are also categorized under landlord liability. Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain the property so it is safe and suitable for human habitation. If they fail in this duty, and residents are hurt, they can be held legally responsible, or liable. About Landlord Liability
An apartment or property owner (landlord or lessor) who leases an apartment can be held liable to the tenant (lessee) and the tenant’s guests for dangerous conditions existing in the apartment unit that the landlord does not inform the tenant about and the dangerous condition is not obvious. Before leasing an apartment unit to a prospective tenant, the apartment owner has a duty to ensure it is safe from dangerous conditions based on what a reasonable inspection would normally disclose. The landlord is not required to take extraordinary measures to discover every potential hazard unless the circumstances justify it. If a dangerous condition arises in the apartment unit that the tenant promptly reports to the landlord, the landlord must repair it within a reasonable period of time after learning of the dangerous condition. A landlord generally is not liable for dangerous condition in the tenant’s apartment that come into existence after the tenant takes possession:

Rights & Responsibilities of Tenants | Lawyers.com Rights & Responsibilities of Tenants
Rights & Responsibilities of Tenants
Security Deposits
Your Privacy Versus Landlord Access
Maintenance and Repairs
Safety on the Property
Insurance
Pets
Questions for Your Attorney
 Safety on the Property
Landlords in most states have some degree of legal responsibility to protect tenants from foreseeable criminal conduct of thieves and even fellow tenants. Adequate and working door and window locks are usually all that’s required, although some state and local laws require peepholes and specific types of locks and lighting. Of course, if you see a security risk, such as an easy-to-enter parking garage, you should ask the landlord to make it more secure. Most landlords don’t want to run the risk of being sued on grounds that it was easy for someone to enter the rental premises and steal property from or assault a tenant. Also, tenants have the right to be safe from injury caused by the conditions of the premises. So, a landlord shouldn’t hide or conceal defects from you—for example, by placing a carpet over weak flooring. If you’re hurt because your landlord concealed a defect or was negligent in making repairs (for example, by failing to fix something such as a broken handrail on the steps to your front door), your landlord may be liable for your injuries or losses. Finally, landlords are often expected to deal with serious environmental health hazards. Federal law, for example, requires property owners to inform tenants (before they sign a lease) of lead-based paint hazards on the property. Insurance
Your lease may include a clause requiring you to obtain renters’ insurance.

Rights & Responsibilities of Tenants | Lawyers.com

Rights & Responsibilities of Tenants
Rights & Responsibilities of Tenants
Security Deposits
Your Privacy Versus Landlord Access
Maintenance and Repairs
Safety on the Property
Insurance
Pets
Questions for Your Attorney

Safety on the Property
Landlords in most states have some degree of legal responsibility to protect tenants from foreseeable criminal conduct of thieves and even fellow tenants. Adequate and working door and window locks are usually all that’s required, although some state and local laws require peepholes and specific types of locks and lighting. Of course, if you see a security risk, such as an easy-to-enter parking garage, you should ask the landlord to make it more secure. Most landlords don’t want to run the risk of being sued on grounds that it was easy for someone to enter the rental premises and steal property from or assault a tenant. Also, tenants have the right to be safe from injury caused by the conditions of the premises. So, a landlord shouldn’t hide or conceal defects from you—for example, by placing a carpet over weak flooring. If you’re hurt because your landlord concealed a defect or was negligent in making repairs (for example, by failing to fix something such as a broken handrail on the steps to your front door), your landlord may be liable for your injuries or losses. Finally, landlords are often expected to deal with serious environmental health hazards. Federal law, for example, requires property owners to inform tenants (before they sign a lease) of lead-based paint hazards on the property. Insurance
Your lease may include a clause requiring you to obtain renters’ insurance.

General Liability for Rental Properties | Home Guides | SF Gate General Liability for Rental Properties
General Liability for Rental Properties
Landlord Negligence
Tenant Negligence
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 General Liability for Rental Properties | Home Guides | SF Gate
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Renting and Tenant Rights
By M. Farrugia
As a property owner, a landlord usually has some degree of liability for rental property. However, the primary factor in establishing who is liable for an injury or crime on a rental property is negligence. If someone is injured or a crime is committed on a rental property and the landlord's negligence of the property can be proven as the cause, the landlord can be held liable. Conversely, if someone is injured or damage to the property is caused by proven negligence on the tenant's part, the tenant can be held liable. Landlord Negligence
A landlord can be held legally responsible for injury or crime on their rental property when their negligence can be proven as the cause of the incident. Several conditions must be proven in order to establish landlord negligence. First, it must be proven that it was the landlord's responsibility to maintain the part of the property where an injury was caused. Second, it must be proven that the problem was relatively longstanding and that the landlord did not take appropriate action to remedy the condition when he could have done so without incurring an unreasonable expense. Third, it must be proven that the injury was a genuine result of the landlord's negligence. Landlords are especially likely to be held liable for crime if criminal activity has previously occurred on the premises.

General Liability for Rental Properties | Home Guides | SF Gate

General Liability for Rental Properties
General Liability for Rental Properties
Landlord Negligence
Tenant Negligence
Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You
Check the Lease Terms
Insurance

General Liability for Rental Properties | Home Guides | SF Gate
General Liability for Rental Properties
Home Guides
|
Home
|
Home Finance
|
Renting and Tenant Rights
By M. Farrugia
As a property owner, a landlord usually has some degree of liability for rental property. However, the primary factor in establishing who is liable for an injury or crime on a rental property is negligence. If someone is injured or a crime is committed on a rental property and the landlord's negligence of the property can be proven as the cause, the landlord can be held liable. Conversely, if someone is injured or damage to the property is caused by proven negligence on the tenant's part, the tenant can be held liable. Landlord Negligence
A landlord can be held legally responsible for injury or crime on their rental property when their negligence can be proven as the cause of the incident. Several conditions must be proven in order to establish landlord negligence. First, it must be proven that it was the landlord's responsibility to maintain the part of the property where an injury was caused. Second, it must be proven that the problem was relatively longstanding and that the landlord did not take appropriate action to remedy the condition when he could have done so without incurring an unreasonable expense. Third, it must be proven that the injury was a genuine result of the landlord's negligence. Landlords are especially likely to be held liable for crime if criminal activity has previously occurred on the premises.

When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
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 A friend of mine who deals in real estate law told me today that a landlord who is aware that his tenants are potentially injurious or in the habit of breaking the law and does nothing about the behavior may be liable for the damage his tenants cause. There's no statue, but there is case law precedent, which I'll be researching. My friend said that the landlord/tenant arrangement is a business arrangement, and just like the government being able to seize a rented house when tenants use it for drug manufacturing, a landlord can be held liable when he knows his tenants might cause harm and does nothing to safeguard his neighbors. Thanks again,
Erin Rado
02-23-2007, 07:50 AM #7
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Re: When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
Your friend is wrong. Sponsored Links
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A friend of mine who deals in real estate law told me today that a landlord who is aware that his tenants are potentially injurious or in the habit of breaking the law and does nothing about the behavior may be liable for the damage his tenants cause. There's no statue, but there is case law precedent, which I'll be researching. My friend said that the landlord/tenant arrangement is a business arrangement, and just like the government being able to seize a rented house when tenants use it for drug manufacturing, a landlord can be held liable when he knows his tenants might cause harm and does nothing to safeguard his neighbors. Thanks again,
Erin Rado
02-23-2007, 07:50 AM #7
seniorjudge
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Re: When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
Your friend is wrong. Sponsored Links
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Breaking a Lease: Moving Out Before End of Lease if Landlord Has New Tenants
By cns in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
Replies: 3
Last Post: 06-24-2011, 01:50 PM
Giving Notice: Landlord Informed Tenants of Selling House, Can Tenants Give Notice
By amandaf in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
Replies:

When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
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 Thanks All,
Erin
02-22-2007, 01:54 PM #5
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Re: Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants? You cannot be held responsible for someone else's actions and neither can the landlord. 02-22-2007, 09:31 PM #6
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Re: When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
Senior Judge,
Thank you for the response. A friend of mine who deals in real estate law told me today that a landlord who is aware that his tenants are potentially injurious or in the habit of breaking the law and does nothing about the behavior may be liable for the damage his tenants cause. There's no statue, but there is case law precedent, which I'll be researching. My friend said that the landlord/tenant arrangement is a business arrangement, and just like the government being able to seize a rented house when tenants use it for drug manufacturing, a landlord can be held liable when he knows his tenants might cause harm and does nothing to safeguard his neighbors. Thanks again,
Erin Rado
02-23-2007, 07:50 AM #7
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Re: When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
Your friend is wrong.

Thanks All,
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Re: Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants? You cannot be held responsible for someone else's actions and neither can the landlord. 02-22-2007, 09:31 PM #6
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Senior Judge,
Thank you for the response. A friend of mine who deals in real estate law told me today that a landlord who is aware that his tenants are potentially injurious or in the habit of breaking the law and does nothing about the behavior may be liable for the damage his tenants cause. There's no statue, but there is case law precedent, which I'll be researching. My friend said that the landlord/tenant arrangement is a business arrangement, and just like the government being able to seize a rented house when tenants use it for drug manufacturing, a landlord can be held liable when he knows his tenants might cause harm and does nothing to safeguard his neighbors. Thanks again,
Erin Rado
02-23-2007, 07:50 AM #7
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Re: When Is A Landlord Responsible For Bad Tenants
Your friend is wrong.

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
 most courts hold landlords liable for knowing about conditions (including the presence of a dangerous dog) on their property. Power to remove the dog. It wouldn't be fair to hold a landlord responsible for a dog he is powerless to control or have removed. For example, say a landlord buys a building that is already occupied by a tenant who has both a one-year lease and a dangerous dog. The landlord probably won't be liable for any injuries the dog causes, because the landlord may not be able to order the dog removed. But if the tenant has a month-to-month rental agreement, which can be terminated on 30 days' notice, the landlord who does nothing after finding out the tenant has a dangerous dog may be liable if the dog later hurts someone. In a North Carolina case, a tenant's two rottweilers attacked a visitor. The lease gave the landlord the right to demand that the tenant remove his dogs within 48 hours if the landlord decided that they were a nuisance or simply undesirable. The court concluded that this provision gave the landlord control over the tenant's dogs, and he could have eliminated the danger they posed. ( Holcomb v. Colonial Associates, LLC, 597 S.E.2d 710 (N.C. 2004).

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog

most courts hold landlords liable for knowing about conditions (including the presence of a dangerous dog) on their property. Power to remove the dog. It wouldn't be fair to hold a landlord responsible for a dog he is powerless to control or have removed. For example, say a landlord buys a building that is already occupied by a tenant who has both a one-year lease and a dangerous dog. The landlord probably won't be liable for any injuries the dog causes, because the landlord may not be able to order the dog removed. But if the tenant has a month-to-month rental agreement, which can be terminated on 30 days' notice, the landlord who does nothing after finding out the tenant has a dangerous dog may be liable if the dog later hurts someone. In a North Carolina case, a tenant's two rottweilers attacked a visitor. The lease gave the landlord the right to demand that the tenant remove his dogs within 48 hours if the landlord decided that they were a nuisance or simply undesirable. The court concluded that this provision gave the landlord control over the tenant's dogs, and he could have eliminated the danger they posed. ( Holcomb v. Colonial Associates, LLC, 597 S.E.2d 710 (N.C. 2004).

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
 But not all states use this rule. Under some laws, landlords are not liable even when they know a tenant's dog is likely to hurt someone. A Montana rancher, for example, knew that a dog belonging to his foreman (who lived on the rancher's property) had bitten someone. But when the dog later bit a utility company meter-reader, the rancher wasn't held liable. If, however, the rancher had exercised some control over the animal, he would have been liable. ( Criswell v. Brewer, 741 P.2d 418 (Mont. 1987).) Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that a tenant's dog is a danger to others. In practice, that means the landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable if the dog bites someone.

But not all states use this rule. Under some laws, landlords are not liable even when they know a tenant's dog is likely to hurt someone. A Montana rancher, for example, knew that a dog belonging to his foreman (who lived on the rancher's property) had bitten someone. But when the dog later bit a utility company meter-reader, the rancher wasn't held liable. If, however, the rancher had exercised some control over the animal, he would have been liable. ( Criswell v. Brewer, 741 P.2d 418 (Mont. 1987).) Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that a tenant's dog is a danger to others. In practice, that means the landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable if the dog bites someone.

Tenant’s Insurance 101 | TD Insurance What is Tenant's Insurance?
What is Tenant's Insurance?
What Does Tenant's Insurance Cover?
Do All Tenants Need Tenant's Insurance?
If My Landlord Has Home Insurance, Will That Protect Me?
Will Tenant's Insurance Cover Personal Liability?
Home Insurance Offered by TD
 Although it's not mandatory to have tenant's insurance if you're a renter, it could help you cover expenses that come up accidentally or unexpectedly from a covered loss. You may not realize how costly it may be to repair or replace your damaged items and how relatively inexpensive it could be to have tenant's insurance. If My Landlord Has Home Insurance, Will That Protect Me? Your landlord may have homeowner's insurance to protect the physical building structure like pipes, their appliances, and any upgrades they may have made to the unit. But their insurance will not cover your personal belongings if anything happens to them, if you cause unintentional damage to the building, or if someone is injured in your home – that's up to you to protect! Will Tenant's Insurance Cover Personal Liability? If someone slips and falls in your apartment, breaks his/her leg and now cannot work for a period of time, tenant's insurance could protect you financially from this personal liability. Keep in mind that coverage depends on whether you are seen as the liable party, or if the landlord is seen as liable. If you have to pay for damages from a cooking fire that damaged your apartment and adjoining apartments in your building, tenant's insurance could protect you in this case, too. A typical tenant’s insurance policy provides coverage, up to a limit, for the amount that you would have to pay in the event you are found liable for damages to others (liability coverage).

Tenant’s Insurance 101 | TD Insurance

What is Tenant's Insurance?
What is Tenant's Insurance?
What Does Tenant's Insurance Cover?
Do All Tenants Need Tenant's Insurance?
If My Landlord Has Home Insurance, Will That Protect Me?
Will Tenant's Insurance Cover Personal Liability?
Home Insurance Offered by TD

Although it's not mandatory to have tenant's insurance if you're a renter, it could help you cover expenses that come up accidentally or unexpectedly from a covered loss. You may not realize how costly it may be to repair or replace your damaged items and how relatively inexpensive it could be to have tenant's insurance. If My Landlord Has Home Insurance, Will That Protect Me? Your landlord may have homeowner's insurance to protect the physical building structure like pipes, their appliances, and any upgrades they may have made to the unit. But their insurance will not cover your personal belongings if anything happens to them, if you cause unintentional damage to the building, or if someone is injured in your home – that's up to you to protect! Will Tenant's Insurance Cover Personal Liability? If someone slips and falls in your apartment, breaks his/her leg and now cannot work for a period of time, tenant's insurance could protect you financially from this personal liability. Keep in mind that coverage depends on whether you are seen as the liable party, or if the landlord is seen as liable. If you have to pay for damages from a cooking fire that damaged your apartment and adjoining apartments in your building, tenant's insurance could protect you in this case, too. A typical tenant’s insurance policy provides coverage, up to a limit, for the amount that you would have to pay in the event you are found liable for damages to others (liability coverage).

Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy and Get Your Security Deposit Back | Lawyers.com Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy
Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy
Give Your Landlord the Required Amount of Notice
How to End a Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
How to End a Fixed-Term Lease
Exceptions: When You Might be Able to Break Your Lease Without Consequences
Try to End the Tenancy on a Positive Note
 Most leases don’t allow subleasing or assigning without the landlord’s consent, so try to work details out (again, in writing) with your landlord. Offer to help your landlord find a suitable tenant (someone with good credit and references) to take over your rental. Break your lease. If neither of the above options work, you might need to break the lease. Even if you give the landlord notice, you might still be on the hook for paying rent for the full lease term if your landlord can’t find a satisfactory replacement tenant who will pay the same amount of rent. If the only acceptable replacement your landlord finds is a tenant who pays less per month than you did, you might be responsible for the difference. Also, you might be liable for your landlord’s reasonable costs of re-renting the unit, such as advertising costs. Your landlord will probably start collecting by using your security deposit; if the deposit is insufficient, the landlord can sue you for the remaining amounts due. Exceptions:

Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy and Get Your Security Deposit Back | Lawyers.com

Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy
Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy
Give Your Landlord the Required Amount of Notice
How to End a Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
How to End a Fixed-Term Lease
Exceptions: When You Might be Able to Break Your Lease Without Consequences
Try to End the Tenancy on a Positive Note

Most leases don’t allow subleasing or assigning without the landlord’s consent, so try to work details out (again, in writing) with your landlord. Offer to help your landlord find a suitable tenant (someone with good credit and references) to take over your rental. Break your lease. If neither of the above options work, you might need to break the lease. Even if you give the landlord notice, you might still be on the hook for paying rent for the full lease term if your landlord can’t find a satisfactory replacement tenant who will pay the same amount of rent. If the only acceptable replacement your landlord finds is a tenant who pays less per month than you did, you might be responsible for the difference. Also, you might be liable for your landlord’s reasonable costs of re-renting the unit, such as advertising costs. Your landlord will probably start collecting by using your security deposit; if the deposit is insufficient, the landlord can sue you for the remaining amounts due. Exceptions:

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
 1996), reh'g denied (1996).) If a landlord is found financially liable, the building owner's liability insurance may cover the loss. Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that the dog was dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant get rid of the dog or move out. As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face of the known danger to others." ( Linebaugh v. Hyndman , 516 A.2d 638 (1986) aff'd, 524 A.2d 1255 (1987) (landlord liable for injury caused by tenant's dog because landlord knew dog had bitten someone before). But not all states use this rule. Under some laws, landlords are not liable even when they know a tenant's dog is likely to hurt someone. A Montana rancher, for example, knew that a dog belonging to his foreman (who lived on the rancher's property) had bitten someone. But when the dog later bit a utility company meter-reader, the rancher wasn't held liable. If, however, the rancher had exercised some control over the animal, he would have been liable. (

1996), reh'g denied (1996).) If a landlord is found financially liable, the building owner's liability insurance may cover the loss. Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that the dog was dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant get rid of the dog or move out. As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face of the known danger to others." ( Linebaugh v. Hyndman , 516 A.2d 638 (1986) aff'd, 524 A.2d 1255 (1987) (landlord liable for injury caused by tenant's dog because landlord knew dog had bitten someone before). But not all states use this rule. Under some laws, landlords are not liable even when they know a tenant's dog is likely to hurt someone. A Montana rancher, for example, knew that a dog belonging to his foreman (who lived on the rancher's property) had bitten someone. But when the dog later bit a utility company meter-reader, the rancher wasn't held liable. If, however, the rancher had exercised some control over the animal, he would have been liable. (

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused  by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that dog was  dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant  get rid of the dog or move out. 35 Sometimes, courts put this requirement in  terms of the landlord's general duty to keep the property in a safe condition. 36 As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face  of the known danger to others." 37
But not all states use this rule. Under some laws, landlords are not  liable even when they know a tenant's dog is likely to hurt someone. A  Montana rancher, for example, knew that a dog belonging to his foreman  (who lived on the rancher's property) had bitten someone. But when the  dog later bit a utility company meter-reader, the rancher wasn't held liable. If, however, the rancher had exercised some control over the animal - was a  "keeper" under the law - he would have been liable. 38
Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that  a tenant's dog is a danger to others.

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes

Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused  by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that dog was  dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant  get rid of the dog or move out. 35 Sometimes, courts put this requirement in  terms of the landlord's general duty to keep the property in a safe condition. 36 As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face  of the known danger to others." 37
But not all states use this rule. Under some laws, landlords are not  liable even when they know a tenant's dog is likely to hurt someone. A  Montana rancher, for example, knew that a dog belonging to his foreman  (who lived on the rancher's property) had bitten someone. But when the  dog later bit a utility company meter-reader, the rancher wasn't held liable. If, however, the rancher had exercised some control over the animal - was a  "keeper" under the law - he would have been liable. 38
Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that  a tenant's dog is a danger to others.

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
 Criswell v. Brewer, 741 P.2d 418 (Mont. 1987).) Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that a tenant's dog is a danger to others. In practice, that means the landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable if the dog bites someone. A New York court, given those circumstances, did not hold a landlord liable for the injury her tenant's dog inflicted. ( Gill v. Welch, 524 N.Y.S.2d 692 (1988).) If the dog is particularly threatening, however, that may be enough evidence of a dangerous tendency, as a Colorado landlord found out. Before signing a lease, the landlord took care of two dogs that belonged to a prospective tenant. During the two weeks he had the dogs, they threatened his grandchild.

Criswell v. Brewer, 741 P.2d 418 (Mont. 1987).) Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that a tenant's dog is a danger to others. In practice, that means the landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable if the dog bites someone. A New York court, given those circumstances, did not hold a landlord liable for the injury her tenant's dog inflicted. ( Gill v. Welch, 524 N.Y.S.2d 692 (1988).) If the dog is particularly threatening, however, that may be enough evidence of a dangerous tendency, as a Colorado landlord found out. Before signing a lease, the landlord took care of two dogs that belonged to a prospective tenant. During the two weeks he had the dogs, they threatened his grandchild.

Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law
Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law A tenant does not automatically forfeit the deposit for breaking a lease, but the deposit can be used to cover costs for which the tenant is liable. If a tenant must break a lease, doing everything possible to help the landlord re-rent the premises will reduce the tenant's liability. The landlord may have grounds to keep some or all of a deposit given to take a rental unit off the market, based on losses the landlord suffered. If a tenant has entered into a lease with a landlord and paid a security deposit or prepaid rent and does not move into the unit, the tenant is entitled to a full refund if the tenant finds a replacement tenant satisfactory to the landlord who moves in by the date the lease was to begin. On the other hand, if the landlord secures the replacement tenant, the landlord may deduct from the security deposit or rent prepayment any amount agreed to in the lease as a lease cancellation fee OR actual expenses incurred by the landlord, including a reasonable amount for the landlord's time in finding a replacement tenant. Once the property is rented to someone else, the tenant is not liable for additional rent unless the unit is sublet. If the property stands vacant for several days, weeks, or months, the landlord will be able to deduct from the deposit the actual amount of rent the landlord lost until a new tenant starts paying. If the property remains vacant for a period that is longer than is covered by the security deposit, then the landlord can hold the tenant liable for the lost rent covering the lease term until someone does move in so long as the landlord makes reasonable efforts to lease the property. The landlord can also charge for re-renting costs such as advertising. Some leases have a reletting fee written into the contract.

Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law

Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law
Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 or
"harbored" or "kept" the tenant's dog - that is, cared for or had some  control over the dog. These factors are discussed just below. They apply to homeowners'  associations, which control common areas in their developments, as well as  traditional landlords. 34
If a landlord is found financially liable, the liability coverage of the  building owner's insurance may cover the loss. ( Liability insurance is  discussed in Dog Bites .) Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused  by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that dog was  dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant  get rid of the dog or move out. 35 Sometimes, courts put this requirement in  terms of the landlord's general duty to keep the property in a safe condition. 36 As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face  of the known danger to others." 37
But not all states use this rule. Under some laws, landlords are not  liable even when they know a tenant's dog is likely to hurt someone.

or
"harbored" or "kept" the tenant's dog - that is, cared for or had some  control over the dog. These factors are discussed just below. They apply to homeowners'  associations, which control common areas in their developments, as well as  traditional landlords. 34
If a landlord is found financially liable, the liability coverage of the  building owner's insurance may cover the loss. ( Liability insurance is  discussed in Dog Bites .) Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused  by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that dog was  dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant  get rid of the dog or move out. 35 Sometimes, courts put this requirement in  terms of the landlord's general duty to keep the property in a safe condition. 36 As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face  of the known danger to others." 37
But not all states use this rule. Under some laws, landlords are not  liable even when they know a tenant's dog is likely to hurt someone.

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
 But if the tenant has a month-to-month rental agreement, which can be terminated on 30 days' notice, the landlord who does nothing after finding out the tenant has a dangerous dog may be liable if the dog later hurts someone. In a North Carolina case, a tenant's two rottweilers attacked a visitor. The lease gave the landlord the right to demand that the tenant remove his dogs within 48 hours if the landlord decided that they were a nuisance or simply undesirable. The court concluded that this provision gave the landlord control over the tenant's dogs, and he could have eliminated the danger they posed. ( Holcomb v. Colonial Associates, LLC, 597 S.E.2d 710 (N.C. 2004). A landlord who acquires a potentially dangerous or troublesome dog along with the property can still take measures to avoid injuries and liability. Eviction may be possible if the dog is a nuisance. Short of eviction, a landlord could fence in a yard, ask the tenant to keep the dog inside, or post warning signs. Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
A landlord may be liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog even off the rented property. The Supreme Court of Oregon ruled that a landlord can be liable if the landlord knew that the dog posed an unreasonable risk of harm to persons off the rental property.

But if the tenant has a month-to-month rental agreement, which can be terminated on 30 days' notice, the landlord who does nothing after finding out the tenant has a dangerous dog may be liable if the dog later hurts someone. In a North Carolina case, a tenant's two rottweilers attacked a visitor. The lease gave the landlord the right to demand that the tenant remove his dogs within 48 hours if the landlord decided that they were a nuisance or simply undesirable. The court concluded that this provision gave the landlord control over the tenant's dogs, and he could have eliminated the danger they posed. ( Holcomb v. Colonial Associates, LLC, 597 S.E.2d 710 (N.C. 2004). A landlord who acquires a potentially dangerous or troublesome dog along with the property can still take measures to avoid injuries and liability. Eviction may be possible if the dog is a nuisance. Short of eviction, a landlord could fence in a yard, ask the tenant to keep the dog inside, or post warning signs. Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
A landlord may be liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog even off the rented property. The Supreme Court of Oregon ruled that a landlord can be liable if the landlord knew that the dog posed an unreasonable risk of harm to persons off the rental property.

Cases and Examples of Premises Liability and Unsafe Conditions Cases and Examples of Premises Liability and Unsafe Conditions
Cases and Examples of Premises Liability and Unsafe Conditions
Inadequate Security – Whose Crime is it Anyway?
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Dog Bites
Balcony Falls
About the Author
Stephen Apolinsky
 Property owners can be held liable for personal injury or wrongful death under Georgia premises liability law. It should be noted that property owners and landlords are not considered insurers of their tenants’ or guests’ safety. They won’t automatically be held liable for balcony falls due to collapses or breaks. This was the case in Aldreg v. Byrd et al., where the Georgia Court of Appeals noted the mere fact of a dangerous condition isn’t enough for a property owner to be liable; there must be actual or constructive knowledge. Actual or constructive knowledge means the property owner knew or should have known there was a problem that could have caused someone to get hurt and failed to take the necessary steps to fix it. Balcony collapses can be caused by posts or railings that are loose, wobbly, or detached or rotted. It may also result from sagging supports, loosened or bowed flooring, and weak joints causing part of the structure to pull away from the rest. One recent premises liability case example of a Georgia balcony fall was the deck collapse at a Savannah bar on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018.

Cases and Examples of Premises Liability and Unsafe Conditions

Cases and Examples of Premises Liability and Unsafe Conditions
Cases and Examples of Premises Liability and Unsafe Conditions
Inadequate Security – Whose Crime is it Anyway?
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Dog Bites
Balcony Falls
About the Author
Stephen Apolinsky

Property owners can be held liable for personal injury or wrongful death under Georgia premises liability law. It should be noted that property owners and landlords are not considered insurers of their tenants’ or guests’ safety. They won’t automatically be held liable for balcony falls due to collapses or breaks. This was the case in Aldreg v. Byrd et al., where the Georgia Court of Appeals noted the mere fact of a dangerous condition isn’t enough for a property owner to be liable; there must be actual or constructive knowledge. Actual or constructive knowledge means the property owner knew or should have known there was a problem that could have caused someone to get hurt and failed to take the necessary steps to fix it. Balcony collapses can be caused by posts or railings that are loose, wobbly, or detached or rotted. It may also result from sagging supports, loosened or bowed flooring, and weak joints causing part of the structure to pull away from the rest. One recent premises liability case example of a Georgia balcony fall was the deck collapse at a Savannah bar on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018.

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
 or
"harbored" or "kept" the tenant's dog—that is, cared for or had some control over the dog. These factors may also apply to homeowners' associations, which control common areas in their developments, as well as landlords. ( See Barrwood Homeowners Assoc., Inc. v. Maser, 675 So. 2d 983 (Fla. App. 1996), reh'g denied (1996).) If a landlord is found financially liable, the building owner's liability insurance may cover the loss. Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that the dog was dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant get rid of the dog or move out. As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face of the known danger to others." ( Linebaugh v. Hyndman , 516 A.2d 638 (1986) aff'd, 524 A.2d 1255 (1987) (landlord liable for injury caused by tenant's dog because landlord knew dog had bitten someone before).

or
"harbored" or "kept" the tenant's dog—that is, cared for or had some control over the dog. These factors may also apply to homeowners' associations, which control common areas in their developments, as well as landlords. ( See Barrwood Homeowners Assoc., Inc. v. Maser, 675 So. 2d 983 (Fla. App. 1996), reh'g denied (1996).) If a landlord is found financially liable, the building owner's liability insurance may cover the loss. Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that the dog was dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant get rid of the dog or move out. As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face of the known danger to others." ( Linebaugh v. Hyndman , 516 A.2d 638 (1986) aff'd, 524 A.2d 1255 (1987) (landlord liable for injury caused by tenant's dog because landlord knew dog had bitten someone before).

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 The landlords said, in sworn statements, that they thought the dog had been destroyed after the first incident. The court ruled that this reasonable belief meant that they had no duty to  take further action. 43 Whether other courts would let a landlord off the  hook in similar circumstances is questionable; most courts hold landlords  liable for knowing about conditions (including the presence of a dangerous  dog) on their property. Power to remove the dog. Obviously, it wouldn't be fair to hold a landlord responsible for a dog he is powerless to control or have removed. For  example, say a landlord buys a building that is already occupied by a tenant  who has both a one-year lease and a dangerous dog. The landlord probably  won't be liable for any injuries the dog causes, because the landlord may  not be able to order the dog removed. But if the tenant has a month-to-month rental agreement, which can be terminated on 30 days' notice, the  landlord who does nothing after finding out the tenant has a dangerous dog
may be liable if the dog later hurts someone. ( Remember, however, that  local laws may restrict a landlord's ability to terminate a rental agreement.)

The landlords said, in sworn statements, that they thought the dog had been destroyed after the first incident. The court ruled that this reasonable belief meant that they had no duty to  take further action. 43 Whether other courts would let a landlord off the  hook in similar circumstances is questionable; most courts hold landlords  liable for knowing about conditions (including the presence of a dangerous  dog) on their property. Power to remove the dog. Obviously, it wouldn't be fair to hold a landlord responsible for a dog he is powerless to control or have removed. For  example, say a landlord buys a building that is already occupied by a tenant  who has both a one-year lease and a dangerous dog. The landlord probably  won't be liable for any injuries the dog causes, because the landlord may  not be able to order the dog removed. But if the tenant has a month-to-month rental agreement, which can be terminated on 30 days' notice, the  landlord who does nothing after finding out the tenant has a dangerous dog
may be liable if the dog later hurts someone. ( Remember, however, that  local laws may restrict a landlord's ability to terminate a rental agreement.)

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 Obviously, it wouldn't be fair to hold a landlord responsible for a dog he is powerless to control or have removed. For  example, say a landlord buys a building that is already occupied by a tenant  who has both a one-year lease and a dangerous dog. The landlord probably  won't be liable for any injuries the dog causes, because the landlord may  not be able to order the dog removed. But if the tenant has a month-to-month rental agreement, which can be terminated on 30 days' notice, the  landlord who does nothing after finding out the tenant has a dangerous dog
may be liable if the dog later hurts someone. ( Remember, however, that  local laws may restrict a landlord's ability to terminate a rental agreement.) In a North Carolina case, a tenant's two Rottweilers attacked a visitor. The lease gave the landlord the right to demand that the tenant remove his  dog within 48 hours if the landlord decided that it was a nuisance or simply  "undesirable." The court concluded that this provision gave the landlord  control over the tenant's dogs, and he could have eliminated the danger  they posed. 44
A landlord who acquires a potentially dangerous or troublesome dog  along with the property can still take measures to avoid liability and be fair  to the tenants. Eviction may be possible if the dog is a nuisance, or if the  tenants are violating a law that prohibits keeping a dog.

Obviously, it wouldn't be fair to hold a landlord responsible for a dog he is powerless to control or have removed. For  example, say a landlord buys a building that is already occupied by a tenant  who has both a one-year lease and a dangerous dog. The landlord probably  won't be liable for any injuries the dog causes, because the landlord may  not be able to order the dog removed. But if the tenant has a month-to-month rental agreement, which can be terminated on 30 days' notice, the  landlord who does nothing after finding out the tenant has a dangerous dog
may be liable if the dog later hurts someone. ( Remember, however, that  local laws may restrict a landlord's ability to terminate a rental agreement.) In a North Carolina case, a tenant's two Rottweilers attacked a visitor. The lease gave the landlord the right to demand that the tenant remove his  dog within 48 hours if the landlord decided that it was a nuisance or simply  "undesirable." The court concluded that this provision gave the landlord  control over the tenant's dogs, and he could have eliminated the danger  they posed. 44
A landlord who acquires a potentially dangerous or troublesome dog  along with the property can still take measures to avoid liability and be fair  to the tenants. Eviction may be possible if the dog is a nuisance, or if the  tenants are violating a law that prohibits keeping a dog.

The Risks of Being a Cosigner on a Lease Agreement | Lawyers.com
Should I Cosign Someone Else’s Lease?
Although there are risks involved, being a friend's or family member's lease cosigner might be worth it.
What Is a Lease Cosigner?
Cons of Being a Cosigner
Pros of Being a Cosigner
If You Decide to Cosign
 What Is a Lease Cosigner? Many landlords require tenants to have a non-tenant cosign their leases (or rental agreements). Most landlords who require cosigners do so because they want to have someone besides the tenant to turn to in the event the tenant doesn’t pay rent or causes damage to the rental. A cosigner is considered a party to the agreement. Although cosigners aren’t the primary tenant, most of the time they share equal responsibility with the tenant for performing the promises under the lease. In legalese, a cosigner is “jointly and severally liable” with the tenant, meaning that in the event the tenant breaks the lease, the landlord can seek compensation from both the tenant and the cosigner. For example, if a tenant skips out of the rental owing two months’ rent, the landlord can choose to sue the tenant or the cosigner—or both—for the full amount the tenant owes. Cons of Being a Cosigner
As a cosigner, because you are jointly and severally liable with the tenant, any misstep by the tenant exposes you to legal claims from the landlord, which could result in any or all of the following. Monetary liability. When a tenant doesn’t pay rent or causes damage to the rental unit, the landlord’s first recourse is to deduct the money owed from the tenant’s security deposit.

The Risks of Being a Cosigner on a Lease Agreement | Lawyers.com

Should I Cosign Someone Else’s Lease?
Although there are risks involved, being a friend's or family member's lease cosigner might be worth it.
What Is a Lease Cosigner?
Cons of Being a Cosigner
Pros of Being a Cosigner
If You Decide to Cosign

What Is a Lease Cosigner? Many landlords require tenants to have a non-tenant cosign their leases (or rental agreements). Most landlords who require cosigners do so because they want to have someone besides the tenant to turn to in the event the tenant doesn’t pay rent or causes damage to the rental. A cosigner is considered a party to the agreement. Although cosigners aren’t the primary tenant, most of the time they share equal responsibility with the tenant for performing the promises under the lease. In legalese, a cosigner is “jointly and severally liable” with the tenant, meaning that in the event the tenant breaks the lease, the landlord can seek compensation from both the tenant and the cosigner. For example, if a tenant skips out of the rental owing two months’ rent, the landlord can choose to sue the tenant or the cosigner—or both—for the full amount the tenant owes. Cons of Being a Cosigner
As a cosigner, because you are jointly and severally liable with the tenant, any misstep by the tenant exposes you to legal claims from the landlord, which could result in any or all of the following. Monetary liability. When a tenant doesn’t pay rent or causes damage to the rental unit, the landlord’s first recourse is to deduct the money owed from the tenant’s security deposit.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Florida | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Florida
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Florida
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Florida and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Florida
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Florida
1. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
2. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Florida Health or Safety Codes
3. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Florida
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Florida
 Ideally, you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant with good credit and references, to sign a new lease. But keep in mind, that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Florida. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Florida | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Florida
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Florida
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Florida and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Florida
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Florida
1. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
2. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Florida Health or Safety Codes
3. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Florida
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Florida

Ideally, you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant with good credit and references, to sign a new lease. But keep in mind, that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Florida. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
One of the reasons landlords are reluctant to rent to tenants with pets is  that in some circumstances, a landlord may be financially responsible for  damage or injury caused by a tenant's dog. In other words, if the injured  person sues the landlord, the landlord, as well as the dog's owner, may end  up paying. Tenants must be prepared to deal with the landlord's fear of  liability. In most circumstances, a landlord isn't liable for injuries inflicted by a  tenant's dog. Just leasing premises to a tenant with a dog usually isn't  enough, by itself, to make a landlord legally responsible for a tenant's dog. For example, if a tenant's apparently friendly dog bites someone, the  landlord isn't liable for the injury. 33
In general, when a tenant's dog injures someone, courts hold the  landlord liable only if the landlord: knew the dog was dangerous and could have had the dog removed;

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
One of the reasons landlords are reluctant to rent to tenants with pets is  that in some circumstances, a landlord may be financially responsible for  damage or injury caused by a tenant's dog. In other words, if the injured  person sues the landlord, the landlord, as well as the dog's owner, may end  up paying. Tenants must be prepared to deal with the landlord's fear of  liability. In most circumstances, a landlord isn't liable for injuries inflicted by a  tenant's dog. Just leasing premises to a tenant with a dog usually isn't  enough, by itself, to make a landlord legally responsible for a tenant's dog. For example, if a tenant's apparently friendly dog bites someone, the  landlord isn't liable for the injury. 33
In general, when a tenant's dog injures someone, courts hold the  landlord liable only if the landlord: knew the dog was dangerous and could have had the dog removed;

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
 Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone. By Mary Randolph, J.D.
One of the reasons landlords are reluctant to rent to tenants with dogs is fear that if the dog injures someone, the landlord, as well as the dog's owner, may end up paying. It's very rare, however, for a landlord to be found liable for injuries inflicted by a tenant's dog. Just leasing premises to a tenant with a dog isn't enough, by itself, to make a landlord legally responsible for a tenant's dog. For example, if a tenant's apparently friendly dog bites someone, the landlord isn't liable for the injury. ( See, for example, Stokes v. Lyddy, 75 Conn. App. 252 (2002) and Georgianna v. Gizzy, 483 N.Y.S.2d 892, 126 Misc. 2d 766 (1984).) In general, courts hold a landlord liable only if the landlord: knew the dog was dangerous and could have had the dog removed;

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone. By Mary Randolph, J.D.
One of the reasons landlords are reluctant to rent to tenants with dogs is fear that if the dog injures someone, the landlord, as well as the dog's owner, may end up paying. It's very rare, however, for a landlord to be found liable for injuries inflicted by a tenant's dog. Just leasing premises to a tenant with a dog isn't enough, by itself, to make a landlord legally responsible for a tenant's dog. For example, if a tenant's apparently friendly dog bites someone, the landlord isn't liable for the injury. ( See, for example, Stokes v. Lyddy, 75 Conn. App. 252 (2002) and Georgianna v. Gizzy, 483 N.Y.S.2d 892, 126 Misc. 2d 766 (1984).) In general, courts hold a landlord liable only if the landlord: knew the dog was dangerous and could have had the dog removed;

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Kentucky and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Kentucky
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Kentucky
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Kentucky Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Kentucky
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Kentucky
 If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $2,500 in Kentucky. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Kentucky and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Kentucky
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Kentucky
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Kentucky Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Kentucky
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Kentucky

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 In most circumstances, a landlord isn't liable for injuries inflicted by a  tenant's dog. Just leasing premises to a tenant with a dog usually isn't  enough, by itself, to make a landlord legally responsible for a tenant's dog. For example, if a tenant's apparently friendly dog bites someone, the  landlord isn't liable for the injury. 33
In general, when a tenant's dog injures someone, courts hold the  landlord liable only if the landlord: knew the dog was dangerous and could have had the dog removed; or
"harbored" or "kept" the tenant's dog - that is, cared for or had some  control over the dog. These factors are discussed just below. They apply to homeowners'  associations, which control common areas in their developments, as well as  traditional landlords. 34
If a landlord is found financially liable, the liability coverage of the  building owner's insurance may cover the loss. ( Liability insurance is  discussed in Dog Bites .)

In most circumstances, a landlord isn't liable for injuries inflicted by a  tenant's dog. Just leasing premises to a tenant with a dog usually isn't  enough, by itself, to make a landlord legally responsible for a tenant's dog. For example, if a tenant's apparently friendly dog bites someone, the  landlord isn't liable for the injury. 33
In general, when a tenant's dog injures someone, courts hold the  landlord liable only if the landlord: knew the dog was dangerous and could have had the dog removed; or
"harbored" or "kept" the tenant's dog - that is, cared for or had some  control over the dog. These factors are discussed just below. They apply to homeowners'  associations, which control common areas in their developments, as well as  traditional landlords. 34
If a landlord is found financially liable, the liability coverage of the  building owner's insurance may cover the loss. ( Liability insurance is  discussed in Dog Bites .)

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Utah | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Utah
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Utah
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Utah and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Utah
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Utah
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Utah Health or Safety Codes
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Utah
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Utah
 If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $11,000 in Utah. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Utah | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Utah
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Utah
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Utah and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Utah
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Utah
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Utah Health or Safety Codes
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Utah
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Utah

If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $11,000 in Utah. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy and Get Your Security Deposit Back | Lawyers.com Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy
Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy
Give Your Landlord the Required Amount of Notice
How to End a Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
How to End a Fixed-Term Lease
Exceptions: When You Might be Able to Break Your Lease Without Consequences
Try to End the Tenancy on a Positive Note
 This could take one of two forms: a sublet or an assignment. In a typical sublet, the new tenant would pay you rent, and then you’d pay the landlord. With an assignment, the new tenant takes over the remainder of your lease and pays rent to the landlord directly. Either way, you remain liable for unpaid rent or damage to the property. Most leases don’t allow subleasing or assigning without the landlord’s consent, so try to work details out (again, in writing) with your landlord. Offer to help your landlord find a suitable tenant (someone with good credit and references) to take over your rental. Break your lease. If neither of the above options work, you might need to break the lease. Even if you give the landlord notice, you might still be on the hook for paying rent for the full lease term if your landlord can’t find a satisfactory replacement tenant who will pay the same amount of rent.

This could take one of two forms: a sublet or an assignment. In a typical sublet, the new tenant would pay you rent, and then you’d pay the landlord. With an assignment, the new tenant takes over the remainder of your lease and pays rent to the landlord directly. Either way, you remain liable for unpaid rent or damage to the property. Most leases don’t allow subleasing or assigning without the landlord’s consent, so try to work details out (again, in writing) with your landlord. Offer to help your landlord find a suitable tenant (someone with good credit and references) to take over your rental. Break your lease. If neither of the above options work, you might need to break the lease. Even if you give the landlord notice, you might still be on the hook for paying rent for the full lease term if your landlord can’t find a satisfactory replacement tenant who will pay the same amount of rent.

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 A  Montana rancher, for example, knew that a dog belonging to his foreman  (who lived on the rancher's property) had bitten someone. But when the  dog later bit a utility company meter-reader, the rancher wasn't held liable. If, however, the rancher had exercised some control over the animal - was a  "keeper" under the law - he would have been liable. 38
Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that  a tenant's dog is a danger to others. Dogs aren't presumed to be dangerous,  although there is a possible exception for pit bull terriers in cities that have  enacted breed-specific restrictions ( See Dangerous Dogs ). So  only a landlord who has specific knowledge of the dog's dangerous disposition is legally responsible if it injures someone. In practice, that means the  landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept  chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable  if the dog bites someone. A New York court, given those circumstances, did  not hold a landlord liable for the injury her tenant's dog had inflicted.

A  Montana rancher, for example, knew that a dog belonging to his foreman  (who lived on the rancher's property) had bitten someone. But when the  dog later bit a utility company meter-reader, the rancher wasn't held liable. If, however, the rancher had exercised some control over the animal - was a  "keeper" under the law - he would have been liable. 38
Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that  a tenant's dog is a danger to others. Dogs aren't presumed to be dangerous,  although there is a possible exception for pit bull terriers in cities that have  enacted breed-specific restrictions ( See Dangerous Dogs ). So  only a landlord who has specific knowledge of the dog's dangerous disposition is legally responsible if it injures someone. In practice, that means the  landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept  chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable  if the dog bites someone. A New York court, given those circumstances, did  not hold a landlord liable for the injury her tenant's dog had inflicted.

Can I Buy Renters Insurance For My Tenant? | Policygenius Can I buy renters insurance for my tenant?
Can I buy renters insurance for my tenant?
A landlord cannot legally buy a renters insurance policy in their tenant's name. However, they can require tenants to purchase a renters insurance policy in order to rent their property.
Key takeaways
Should I buy renters insurance for my tenant?
Partnering with insurance companies
Need coverage?
Can I require my tenant to buy renters insurance?
Additional interested party
What is landlord insurance?
 Also known as an additional interest or party of interest, this ensures you will be notified if there are any changes made to your tenant’s policy. If you are an additional interested party on your tenant’s renters insurance policy, you can’t make payments or change the specifics of the policy. By being an additional interested party, you are simply notified or contacted if a payment is missed, if the policy is canceled, or if the terms of the policy are changed. Many landlords require this so they know their tenant’s insurance policy is still active. What is landlord insurance? Although renters insurance can minimize a landlord’s risk, it doesn’t actually offer financial protection for landlords. Some landlords already have homeowners insurance for their property, but if you’re going to rent out your apartment or house, you should purchase landlord insurance in addition to homeowners insurance. Just like renters insurance is financial protection for your tenant, landlord insurance covers your building and your property. Like renters insurance, landlord insurance contains liability coverage, so if someone gets hurt on your property then your landlord insurance can help you pay any legal fees or medical expenses that you are liable for. You’re also protected from income loss, to an extent.

Can I Buy Renters Insurance For My Tenant? | Policygenius

Can I buy renters insurance for my tenant?
Can I buy renters insurance for my tenant?
A landlord cannot legally buy a renters insurance policy in their tenant's name. However, they can require tenants to purchase a renters insurance policy in order to rent their property.
Key takeaways
Should I buy renters insurance for my tenant?
Partnering with insurance companies
Need coverage?
Can I require my tenant to buy renters insurance?
Additional interested party
What is landlord insurance?

Also known as an additional interest or party of interest, this ensures you will be notified if there are any changes made to your tenant’s policy. If you are an additional interested party on your tenant’s renters insurance policy, you can’t make payments or change the specifics of the policy. By being an additional interested party, you are simply notified or contacted if a payment is missed, if the policy is canceled, or if the terms of the policy are changed. Many landlords require this so they know their tenant’s insurance policy is still active. What is landlord insurance? Although renters insurance can minimize a landlord’s risk, it doesn’t actually offer financial protection for landlords. Some landlords already have homeowners insurance for their property, but if you’re going to rent out your apartment or house, you should purchase landlord insurance in addition to homeowners insurance. Just like renters insurance is financial protection for your tenant, landlord insurance covers your building and your property. Like renters insurance, landlord insurance contains liability coverage, so if someone gets hurt on your property then your landlord insurance can help you pay any legal fees or medical expenses that you are liable for. You’re also protected from income loss, to an extent.

Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy and Get Your Security Deposit Back | Lawyers.com Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy
Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy
Give Your Landlord the Required Amount of Notice
How to End a Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
How to End a Fixed-Term Lease
Exceptions: When You Might be Able to Break Your Lease Without Consequences
Try to End the Tenancy on a Positive Note
 Most leases don’t allow subleasing or assigning without the landlord’s consent, so try to work details out (again, in writing) with your landlord. Offer to help your landlord find a suitable tenant (someone with good credit and references) to take over your rental. Break your lease. If neither of the above options work, you might need to break the lease. Even if you give the landlord notice, you might still be on the hook for paying rent for the full lease term if your landlord can’t find a satisfactory replacement tenant who will pay the same amount of rent. If the only acceptable replacement your landlord finds is a tenant who pays less per month than you did, you might be responsible for the difference. Also, you might be liable for your landlord’s reasonable costs of re-renting the unit, such as advertising costs. Your landlord will probably start collecting by using your security deposit; if the deposit is insufficient, the landlord can sue you for the remaining amounts due. Exceptions:

Most leases don’t allow subleasing or assigning without the landlord’s consent, so try to work details out (again, in writing) with your landlord. Offer to help your landlord find a suitable tenant (someone with good credit and references) to take over your rental. Break your lease. If neither of the above options work, you might need to break the lease. Even if you give the landlord notice, you might still be on the hook for paying rent for the full lease term if your landlord can’t find a satisfactory replacement tenant who will pay the same amount of rent. If the only acceptable replacement your landlord finds is a tenant who pays less per month than you did, you might be responsible for the difference. Also, you might be liable for your landlord’s reasonable costs of re-renting the unit, such as advertising costs. Your landlord will probably start collecting by using your security deposit; if the deposit is insufficient, the landlord can sue you for the remaining amounts due. Exceptions:

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Pennsylvania | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Pennsylvania
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Pennsylvania
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Pennsylvania and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Pennsylvania
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Pennsylvania
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Pennsylvania Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Pennsylvania
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Pennsylvania
 But keep in mind, that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $12,000 in Pennsylvania. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters. More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Pennsylvania
To learn more about landlord-tenant laws in your state, see the State Landlord-Tenant Laws section of the Nolo site.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Pennsylvania | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Pennsylvania
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Pennsylvania
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Pennsylvania and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Pennsylvania
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Pennsylvania
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Pennsylvania Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Pennsylvania
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

But keep in mind, that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $12,000 in Pennsylvania. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters. More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Pennsylvania
To learn more about landlord-tenant laws in your state, see the State Landlord-Tenant Laws section of the Nolo site.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in New Jersey and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in New Jersey
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in New Jersey
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Have Suffered a Disabling Illness or Accident or Need to Move Into a Housing Facility for Seniors
You or Your Child Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates New Jersey Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in New Jersey
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in New Jersey
 If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $3,000 in New Jersey. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in New Jersey and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in New Jersey
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in New Jersey
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Have Suffered a Disabling Illness or Accident or Need to Move Into a Housing Facility for Seniors
You or Your Child Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates New Jersey Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in New Jersey
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in New Jersey

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
 Criswell v. Brewer, 741 P.2d 418 (Mont. 1987).) Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that a tenant's dog is a danger to others. In practice, that means the landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable if the dog bites someone. A New York court, given those circumstances, did not hold a landlord liable for the injury her tenant's dog inflicted. ( Gill v. Welch, 524 N.Y.S.2d 692 (1988).) If the dog is particularly threatening, however, that may be enough evidence of a dangerous tendency, as a Colorado landlord found out. Before signing a lease, the landlord took care of two dogs that belonged to a prospective tenant. During the two weeks he had the dogs, they threatened his grandchild.

Criswell v. Brewer, 741 P.2d 418 (Mont. 1987).) Actual knowledge. To be held liable, a landlord must actually know that a tenant's dog is a danger to others. In practice, that means the landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable if the dog bites someone. A New York court, given those circumstances, did not hold a landlord liable for the injury her tenant's dog inflicted. ( Gill v. Welch, 524 N.Y.S.2d 692 (1988).) If the dog is particularly threatening, however, that may be enough evidence of a dangerous tendency, as a Colorado landlord found out. Before signing a lease, the landlord took care of two dogs that belonged to a prospective tenant. During the two weeks he had the dogs, they threatened his grandchild.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Arizona and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Arizona
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Arizona
1. You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Arizona Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Arizona
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Arizona
 The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $3,500 in Arizona. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters. More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Arizona
To learn more about landlord-tenant laws in your state, see the State Landlord-Tenant Laws section of the Nolo site.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Arizona and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Arizona
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Arizona
1. You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Arizona Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Arizona
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Arizona

The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $3,500 in Arizona. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters. More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Arizona
To learn more about landlord-tenant laws in your state, see the State Landlord-Tenant Laws section of the Nolo site.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Maryland and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Maryland
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Maryland
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Maryland Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Maryland
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Maryland
 The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Maryland. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters. More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Maryland
To learn more about landlord-tenant laws in your state, see the State Landlord-Tenant Laws section of the Nolo site.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Maryland and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Maryland
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Maryland
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Maryland Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Maryland
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Maryland

The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Maryland. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters. More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Maryland
To learn more about landlord-tenant laws in your state, see the State Landlord-Tenant Laws section of the Nolo site.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Washington and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Washington
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Washington
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit is Unsafe or Violates Washington Health or Safety Codes
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Stalking
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Washington
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Washington
 The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Washington. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters. More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Washington
To learn more about landlord-tenant laws in your state, see the State Landlord-Tenant Laws section of the Nolo site.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Washington and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Washington
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Washington
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit is Unsafe or Violates Washington Health or Safety Codes
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Stalking
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Washington
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Washington

The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Washington. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters. More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Washington
To learn more about landlord-tenant laws in your state, see the State Landlord-Tenant Laws section of the Nolo site.

Cases and Examples of Premises Liability and Unsafe Conditions Cases and Examples of Premises Liability and Unsafe Conditions
Cases and Examples of Premises Liability and Unsafe Conditions
Inadequate Security – Whose Crime is it Anyway?
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Dog Bites
Balcony Falls
About the Author
Stephen Apolinsky
 Property owners can be held liable for personal injury or wrongful death under Georgia premises liability law. It should be noted that property owners and landlords are not considered insurers of their tenants’ or guests’ safety. They won’t automatically be held liable for balcony falls due to collapses or breaks. This was the case in Aldreg v. Byrd et al., where the Georgia Court of Appeals noted the mere fact of a dangerous condition isn’t enough for a property owner to be liable; there must be actual or constructive knowledge. Actual or constructive knowledge means the property owner knew or should have known there was a problem that could have caused someone to get hurt and failed to take the necessary steps to fix it. Balcony collapses can be caused by posts or railings that are loose, wobbly, or detached or rotted. It may also result from sagging supports, loosened or bowed flooring, and weak joints causing part of the structure to pull away from the rest. One recent premises liability case example of a Georgia balcony fall was the deck collapse at a Savannah bar on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018.

Property owners can be held liable for personal injury or wrongful death under Georgia premises liability law. It should be noted that property owners and landlords are not considered insurers of their tenants’ or guests’ safety. They won’t automatically be held liable for balcony falls due to collapses or breaks. This was the case in Aldreg v. Byrd et al., where the Georgia Court of Appeals noted the mere fact of a dangerous condition isn’t enough for a property owner to be liable; there must be actual or constructive knowledge. Actual or constructive knowledge means the property owner knew or should have known there was a problem that could have caused someone to get hurt and failed to take the necessary steps to fix it. Balcony collapses can be caused by posts or railings that are loose, wobbly, or detached or rotted. It may also result from sagging supports, loosened or bowed flooring, and weak joints causing part of the structure to pull away from the rest. One recent premises liability case example of a Georgia balcony fall was the deck collapse at a Savannah bar on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018.

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs | Nolo Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Some landlords fear that they'll be on the hook if a tenant's dog injures someone.
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
Injuries Off the Landlord's Property
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
 or
"harbored" or "kept" the tenant's dog—that is, cared for or had some control over the dog. These factors may also apply to homeowners' associations, which control common areas in their developments, as well as landlords. ( See Barrwood Homeowners Assoc., Inc. v. Maser, 675 So. 2d 983 (Fla. App. 1996), reh'g denied (1996).) If a landlord is found financially liable, the building owner's liability insurance may cover the loss. Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that the dog was dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant get rid of the dog or move out. As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face of the known danger to others." ( Linebaugh v. Hyndman , 516 A.2d 638 (1986) aff'd, 524 A.2d 1255 (1987) (landlord liable for injury caused by tenant's dog because landlord knew dog had bitten someone before).

or
"harbored" or "kept" the tenant's dog—that is, cared for or had some control over the dog. These factors may also apply to homeowners' associations, which control common areas in their developments, as well as landlords. ( See Barrwood Homeowners Assoc., Inc. v. Maser, 675 So. 2d 983 (Fla. App. 1996), reh'g denied (1996).) If a landlord is found financially liable, the building owner's liability insurance may cover the loss. Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
In many states, someone trying to hold a landlord liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog must prove both that the landlord knew that the dog was dangerous and that the landlord had the power, legally, to make the tenant get rid of the dog or move out. As one court put it, a property owner cannot "sit idly by in the face of the known danger to others." ( Linebaugh v. Hyndman , 516 A.2d 638 (1986) aff'd, 524 A.2d 1255 (1987) (landlord liable for injury caused by tenant's dog because landlord knew dog had bitten someone before).

Security Deposits - housing_selfhelp Security Deposits
Security Deposits
Return of security deposit
Security Deposit Disputes
Avoiding security deposit disputes
Keeping records of the condition of the rental property
Giving the landlord notice of intent to move out
Roommate situations
More Information
 Click for a inventory checklist you can print out. Giving the landlord notice of intent to move out
If you are the tenant and intend to move out (and you pay rent once a month), you have to give your landlord 30 days’ notice in writing. If you do not, the landlord can charge you for the unpaid rent even after you move out. Unless a new tenant pays the rent, you will have to pay for those 30 days. If you pay rent every week, you have to give 7 days’ notice. If your lease is not up yet and you want to move out, you will need to talk to your landlord. If your lease or your landlord allows you to sublet the unit, you can find a subtenant, following the landlord’s or the lease requirements. Or, the landlord may allow you to let someone else take over your lease, and give you back your deposit and take a new security deposit from the person taking over the lease. BUT if your landlord does not agree to let you off the lease early or to sublet the unit, and you still break the lease, you may be liable to the landlord for the rent through the end of the lease. The landlord will have a “duty to mitigate,” which means that he or she will have to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit and if he or she is able to rent it, you are only liable for rent for the month (s) it went unrented.

Security Deposits - housing_selfhelp

Security Deposits
Security Deposits
Return of security deposit
Security Deposit Disputes
Avoiding security deposit disputes
Keeping records of the condition of the rental property
Giving the landlord notice of intent to move out
Roommate situations
More Information

Click for a inventory checklist you can print out. Giving the landlord notice of intent to move out
If you are the tenant and intend to move out (and you pay rent once a month), you have to give your landlord 30 days’ notice in writing. If you do not, the landlord can charge you for the unpaid rent even after you move out. Unless a new tenant pays the rent, you will have to pay for those 30 days. If you pay rent every week, you have to give 7 days’ notice. If your lease is not up yet and you want to move out, you will need to talk to your landlord. If your lease or your landlord allows you to sublet the unit, you can find a subtenant, following the landlord’s or the lease requirements. Or, the landlord may allow you to let someone else take over your lease, and give you back your deposit and take a new security deposit from the person taking over the lease. BUT if your landlord does not agree to let you off the lease early or to sublet the unit, and you still break the lease, you may be liable to the landlord for the rent through the end of the lease. The landlord will have a “duty to mitigate,” which means that he or she will have to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit and if he or she is able to rent it, you are only liable for rent for the month (s) it went unrented.

3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite 3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
Vicious Dogs at Your Rental Property
Tenant Usually Liable for a Dog Bite
Advise Tenants to Purchase Renter's Insurance:
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable
3 Ways Landlords Can Protect Themselves
 Able to Remove the Animal but Did Not: In a situation where the landlord had knowledge that the animal was dangerous and had the ability to remove the animal, but chose not to, the landlord could be held liable if the dog injures someone. For example: The tenant signed a pet agreement that stated if the dog displayed any vicious behavior, the tenant must get rid of the animal or must move-out with the animal. The dog bit someone. This would be considered vicious behavior. According to the pet agreement, the dog and/or tenant should no longer live in the property. If the landlord did not follow through on this contract, and the dog bites another person, the landlord could be liable. In this case, the landlord knowingly and willingly allowed a dangerous animal that was a threat to others to continue to live in their property. The theory is that, while the landlord does not own the dog, their negligence contributed to any future attack.

3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite

3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
Vicious Dogs at Your Rental Property
Tenant Usually Liable for a Dog Bite
Advise Tenants to Purchase Renter's Insurance:
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable
3 Ways Landlords Can Protect Themselves

Able to Remove the Animal but Did Not: In a situation where the landlord had knowledge that the animal was dangerous and had the ability to remove the animal, but chose not to, the landlord could be held liable if the dog injures someone. For example: The tenant signed a pet agreement that stated if the dog displayed any vicious behavior, the tenant must get rid of the animal or must move-out with the animal. The dog bit someone. This would be considered vicious behavior. According to the pet agreement, the dog and/or tenant should no longer live in the property. If the landlord did not follow through on this contract, and the dog bites another person, the landlord could be liable. In this case, the landlord knowingly and willingly allowed a dangerous animal that was a threat to others to continue to live in their property. The theory is that, while the landlord does not own the dog, their negligence contributed to any future attack.

Canceling Contracts and “Cooling Off” Rules | Justia Canceling Contracts / “Cooling Off” Rules
Canceling Contracts / “Cooling Off” Rules
FTC “Cooling Off” Rule
FTC’s “Mail or Telephone Order” Rule
Home Equity Loans and Refinances
Residential Leases, Landlord’s Duty to Re-Rent
State “Cooling Off” Rules
 The procedure for asserting this right has been a subject of dispute, but a decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in January 2015 may resolve the confusion. Residential Leases, Landlord’s Duty to Re-Rent
If a tenant fails to pay rent as required by a lease contract, the landlord may go to court to evict the tenant. The landlord may also go to court to collect unpaid rent, even if the tenant has already vacated the property. A residential lease is enforceable as a contract, and technically a one-year lease obligates a tenant to pay 12 months of rent. Most state laws, however, require landlords to make reasonable efforts to re-rent a property if a tenant breaks the lease. A landlord would not be able to hold a tenant liable for 12 months of rent, for example, if the tenant moved out after only a few weeks. The landlord would have to prove that renting the property to somebody else during the original lease term would somehow be impossible. A landlord also would not be able to collect rent from a tenant who broke his or her lease for periods when the landlord has leased the property to someone else. State “Cooling Off” Rules
Many states have laws regarding cooling off periods and cancellation of certain contracts or sales. The laws in some states, such as Georgia, closely resemble the FTC’s rules, while other states have broader consumer protections.

Canceling Contracts and “Cooling Off” Rules | Justia

Canceling Contracts / “Cooling Off” Rules
Canceling Contracts / “Cooling Off” Rules
FTC “Cooling Off” Rule
FTC’s “Mail or Telephone Order” Rule
Home Equity Loans and Refinances
Residential Leases, Landlord’s Duty to Re-Rent
State “Cooling Off” Rules

The procedure for asserting this right has been a subject of dispute, but a decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in January 2015 may resolve the confusion. Residential Leases, Landlord’s Duty to Re-Rent
If a tenant fails to pay rent as required by a lease contract, the landlord may go to court to evict the tenant. The landlord may also go to court to collect unpaid rent, even if the tenant has already vacated the property. A residential lease is enforceable as a contract, and technically a one-year lease obligates a tenant to pay 12 months of rent. Most state laws, however, require landlords to make reasonable efforts to re-rent a property if a tenant breaks the lease. A landlord would not be able to hold a tenant liable for 12 months of rent, for example, if the tenant moved out after only a few weeks. The landlord would have to prove that renting the property to somebody else during the original lease term would somehow be impossible. A landlord also would not be able to collect rent from a tenant who broke his or her lease for periods when the landlord has leased the property to someone else. State “Cooling Off” Rules
Many states have laws regarding cooling off periods and cancellation of certain contracts or sales. The laws in some states, such as Georgia, closely resemble the FTC’s rules, while other states have broader consumer protections.

Ideally, you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant with good credit and references, to sign a new lease. But keep in mind, that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Florida. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Texas and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Texas
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Texas
1. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
2. You Are a Victim (or the Parent of a Victim) of Sexual Assault or Stalking
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Texas Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Texas
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Texas
 If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $10,000 in Texas. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Texas and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Texas
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Texas
1. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
2. You Are a Victim (or the Parent of a Victim) of Sexual Assault or Stalking
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Texas Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Texas
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Texas

If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $10,000 in Texas. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Wisconsin and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Wisconsin
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Wisconsin
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Wisconsin Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Wisconsin
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Wisconsin
 If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $10,000 in Wisconsin. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Wisconsin and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Wisconsin
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Wisconsin
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Wisconsin Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Wisconsin
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Wisconsin

If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $2,500 in Kentucky. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Tennessee | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Tennessee
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Tennessee
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Tennessee and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Tennessee
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Tennessee
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Tennessee Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Tennessee
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Tennessee
 If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $25,000 in Tennessee. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Tennessee | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Tennessee
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Tennessee
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Tennessee and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Tennessee
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Tennessee
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Tennessee Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Tennessee
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Tennessee

If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $11,000 in Utah. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Your legal and financial responsibilities when renting - Money Advice Service Your legal and financial responsibilities when renting
Your legal and financial responsibilities when renting
Read your tenancy agreement carefully
How to avoid unexpected costs now or in the future
Don’t get caught out!
Your tenancy agreement – sole or joint tenants
If you are joint tenants:
If you are the sole tenant:
What is a rent guarantor?
Did you find this guide helpful?
 If you are joint tenants: Two or more of you will be listed on the tenancy agreement. All of those named on the agreement are liable to pay the rent and meet all of the obligations to the landlord laid out in the tenancy agreement. If one of you moves out, that person is still liable to pay their share of the rent until the tenancy agreement is altered – however, if the terms of the tenancy agreement include ‘joint and several liability’ for paying rent and someone whose name is on the lease doesn’t pay, the landlord has the right to chase the remaining tenant/s for the missing amount. Read more about joint tenancies on the Shelter website
opens in new window
. If you are the sole tenant: Only you are listed on the tenancy agreement. You alone are liable for the entire rent and bills. If you currently share the rent and bills with a partner or housemates and they move out, you will have to pay all these costs yourself. Your partner or housemate/s have no legal right to occupy the property if your arrangement or relationship breaks down – they will need to find alternative accommodation.

Your legal and financial responsibilities when renting - Money Advice Service

Your legal and financial responsibilities when renting
Your legal and financial responsibilities when renting
Read your tenancy agreement carefully
How to avoid unexpected costs now or in the future
Don’t get caught out!
Your tenancy agreement – sole or joint tenants
If you are joint tenants:
If you are the sole tenant:
What is a rent guarantor?
Did you find this guide helpful?

If you are joint tenants: Two or more of you will be listed on the tenancy agreement. All of those named on the agreement are liable to pay the rent and meet all of the obligations to the landlord laid out in the tenancy agreement. If one of you moves out, that person is still liable to pay their share of the rent until the tenancy agreement is altered – however, if the terms of the tenancy agreement include ‘joint and several liability’ for paying rent and someone whose name is on the lease doesn’t pay, the landlord has the right to chase the remaining tenant/s for the missing amount. Read more about joint tenancies on the Shelter website
opens in new window
. If you are the sole tenant: Only you are listed on the tenancy agreement. You alone are liable for the entire rent and bills. If you currently share the rent and bills with a partner or housemates and they move out, you will have to pay all these costs yourself. Your partner or housemate/s have no legal right to occupy the property if your arrangement or relationship breaks down – they will need to find alternative accommodation.

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 If, for example, a dog escapes because of defects  in the landlord's property, the landlord would be liable for off-site  injuries caused by the dog. 46 Some courts, however, have ruled that a  landlord has no duty to prevent injuries to third parties caused by a  tenant's dog off the premises. 47
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Someone who "keeps" or "harbors" a dog - that is, cares for or exercises  some control over it - is usually treated just like the dog's legal owner when  it comes to liability for injury the dog causes. A landlord who does more  than merely rent to a tenant who has a dog may be considered a "keeper"  for purposes of liability. Here are some examples that show how courts  evaluate such situations: An Illinois landlord rented half of his building to a tenant and occupied  the other half himself. The tenant's dog, which was kept to guard the  building, roamed all of it. When the dog bit someone, the landlord and  the tenant were both held liable. 48
A landlord who lived off the premises hired a manager to take care of his  Illinois apartment building. The manager allowed one tenant to fence in  the building's back yard, which all the tenants used, and keep his dog  there.

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com

Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes

If, for example, a dog escapes because of defects  in the landlord's property, the landlord would be liable for off-site  injuries caused by the dog. 46 Some courts, however, have ruled that a  landlord has no duty to prevent injuries to third parties caused by a  tenant's dog off the premises. 47
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Someone who "keeps" or "harbors" a dog - that is, cares for or exercises  some control over it - is usually treated just like the dog's legal owner when  it comes to liability for injury the dog causes. A landlord who does more  than merely rent to a tenant who has a dog may be considered a "keeper"  for purposes of liability. Here are some examples that show how courts  evaluate such situations: An Illinois landlord rented half of his building to a tenant and occupied  the other half himself. The tenant's dog, which was kept to guard the  building, roamed all of it. When the dog bit someone, the landlord and  the tenant were both held liable. 48
A landlord who lived off the premises hired a manager to take care of his  Illinois apartment building. The manager allowed one tenant to fence in  the building's back yard, which all the tenants used, and keep his dog  there.

How to Get Out of a Commercial Lease, Pain-Free - SquareFoot Blog How to Get Out of a Commercial Lease, Pain-Free
How to Get Out of a Commercial Lease, Pain-Free
Why you might break a commercial lease
How to minimize costs while breaking a commercial lease
Option to sublease
Office lease buy-out
Termination or exit clause
1. Consider flexible office space instead of traditional office space.
2. Avoid long leases during high-growth periods.
3. License part of your office
4. Read the lease!
 How to minimize costs while breaking a commercial lease
Ending a commercial lease months, or even years early may come with a price tag, but there’s a number of ways to keep your final figure low. Keep in mind that market dynamics will play a role in both determining whether your landlord will be amenable in letting you break your lease early (if you don’t have termination language written in your lease) and how much early termination might cost you. For example, if you’re renting office space in an up-and-coming neighborhood with low vacancy rates, it may be in your landlord’s interest to let you vacate the office space so they can raise the rent for the new commercial tenant. However, if there’s a high percentage of vacant office space and finding a new tenant quickly doesn’t seem promising, you’ll likely be held more accountable financially. Option to sublease
Subleasing your office space can be an excellent way to minimize costs and achieve an early exit — as long as you’re prepared to remain involved with the property until your original lease is up. Landlords often include a written sublet clause in a commercial tenant lease that stipulates whether subleasing is or isn’t an option. If you are looking through your lease and don’t see any terms related to subleasing, it doesn’t hurt to ask your landlord to renegotiate those terms (and it helps if you can suggest another tenant). Subleasing means you are still responsible for the lease and you’ll be liable for any damages or lease violations that occur during the sublease. It’s also possible that the landlord will charge fees associated with the sublease, so be sure to factor those into your budget. Landlords can be more favorable to a sublease if you’re nearing the end of your lease and the market is in high demand.

How to Get Out of a Commercial Lease, Pain-Free - SquareFoot Blog

How to Get Out of a Commercial Lease, Pain-Free
How to Get Out of a Commercial Lease, Pain-Free
Why you might break a commercial lease
How to minimize costs while breaking a commercial lease
Option to sublease
Office lease buy-out
Termination or exit clause
1. Consider flexible office space instead of traditional office space.
2. Avoid long leases during high-growth periods.
3. License part of your office
4. Read the lease!

Can You Cancel After You've Signed a Rental Lease? | Home Guides | SF Gate Can You Cancel After You've Signed a Rental Lease?
Can You Cancel After You've Signed a Rental Lease?
No Cooling Off Period
Just Cause
Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You
Sublease
Break the Lease Anyway
 Check your lease agreement to see if it allows you to sublet. If not, ask the landlord if it's possible to amend the lease and allow you to sublet the apartment due to your extenuating circumstances. Break the Lease Anyway
If all else fails, you might have to break the lease regardless of the consequences and hassle it might cause you. This is a last resort option if you absolutely cannot take possession of the apartment and your landlord isn't willing to budge. In many states, including California, the landlord must make reasonable effort to find a replacement tenant regardless of your reason for breaking the lease. You are still liable for the rent until the landlord finds a new tenant, but the landlord cannot hold you liable for the entire term of the lease. The landlord has the right to choose a creditworthy tenant, and can charge you for any advertising costs incurred.

Can You Cancel After You've Signed a Rental Lease? | Home Guides | SF Gate

Can You Cancel After You've Signed a Rental Lease?
Can You Cancel After You've Signed a Rental Lease?
No Cooling Off Period
Just Cause
Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You
Sublease
Break the Lease Anyway

Check your lease agreement to see if it allows you to sublet. If not, ask the landlord if it's possible to amend the lease and allow you to sublet the apartment due to your extenuating circumstances. Break the Lease Anyway
If all else fails, you might have to break the lease regardless of the consequences and hassle it might cause you. This is a last resort option if you absolutely cannot take possession of the apartment and your landlord isn't willing to budge. In many states, including California, the landlord must make reasonable effort to find a replacement tenant regardless of your reason for breaking the lease. You are still liable for the rent until the landlord finds a new tenant, but the landlord cannot hold you liable for the entire term of the lease. The landlord has the right to choose a creditworthy tenant, and can charge you for any advertising costs incurred.

If you want to 'break' your lease - Met Council on Housing If you want to ‘break’ your lease
If you want to ‘break’ your lease
Why are most tenants not usually allowed to break their leases?
What are my options for moving out before the end of my lease?
Legal Disclaimer
What happens if I move out mid-lease without my landlord’s permission?
What are the exceptions which allow tenants to break their leases?
Exceptions: Seniors
Exceptions: Military Personnel
Exceptions: Victims of Domestic Violence
What if I am unable to pay the rent?
What if my landlord has refused to make essential repairs or provide essential services?
What if the apartment was not ready for occupancy on my move-in date?
What if the condition of the apartment was different from what how it was represented by my landlord, an agent of the landlord, or by a real estate broker?
What is the best way to approach my landlord if I want to break my lease?
 A partial list of circumstances that may qualify, as well circumstances that clearly do not, is explained further in this information sheet. Be advised that establishing this legal argument is complicated, and you should seek legal counsel before trying this. If you believe that your landlord breached the contract, but your landlord disagrees, be prepared to defend your position in court, and to face the consequences (such as potentially being held liable for back-rent, and ending up on the ‘tenant blacklist’.) What happens if I move out mid-lease without my landlord’s permission? If you move out before the expiration of your lease and don’t pay the rent for the remaining months, your landlord might sue you for the uncollected rent. If you no longer live in the apartment, your landlord will not be able to sue you in Housing Court, and will instead have to sue you in Small Claims Court, Civil Court or Supreme Court (depending on the amount owed). As of 2019, landlords in New York who sue tenants over breached leases have a “duty to mitigate”, meaning they must show that they made every effort to find a new tenant for the remaining months on the lease. If your landlord does find a new tenant and that tenant pays rent for part of your lease period, your landlord cannot sue you for those months that he collected rent from someone else. What are the exceptions which allow tenants to break their leases? Exceptions:

If you want to 'break' your lease - Met Council on Housing

If you want to ‘break’ your lease
If you want to ‘break’ your lease
Why are most tenants not usually allowed to break their leases?
What are my options for moving out before the end of my lease?
Legal Disclaimer
What happens if I move out mid-lease without my landlord’s permission?
What are the exceptions which allow tenants to break their leases?
Exceptions: Seniors
Exceptions: Military Personnel
Exceptions: Victims of Domestic Violence
What if I am unable to pay the rent?
What if my landlord has refused to make essential repairs or provide essential services?
What if the apartment was not ready for occupancy on my move-in date?
What if the condition of the apartment was different from what how it was represented by my landlord, an agent of the landlord, or by a real estate broker?
What is the best way to approach my landlord if I want to break my lease?

A partial list of circumstances that may qualify, as well circumstances that clearly do not, is explained further in this information sheet. Be advised that establishing this legal argument is complicated, and you should seek legal counsel before trying this. If you believe that your landlord breached the contract, but your landlord disagrees, be prepared to defend your position in court, and to face the consequences (such as potentially being held liable for back-rent, and ending up on the ‘tenant blacklist’.) What happens if I move out mid-lease without my landlord’s permission? If you move out before the expiration of your lease and don’t pay the rent for the remaining months, your landlord might sue you for the uncollected rent. If you no longer live in the apartment, your landlord will not be able to sue you in Housing Court, and will instead have to sue you in Small Claims Court, Civil Court or Supreme Court (depending on the amount owed). As of 2019, landlords in New York who sue tenants over breached leases have a “duty to mitigate”, meaning they must show that they made every effort to find a new tenant for the remaining months on the lease. If your landlord does find a new tenant and that tenant pays rent for part of your lease period, your landlord cannot sue you for those months that he collected rent from someone else. What are the exceptions which allow tenants to break their leases? Exceptions:

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in North Carolina and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in North Carolina
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in North Carolina
1. You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates North Carolina Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in North Carolina
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in North Carolina
 If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in North Carolina. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in North Carolina and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in North Carolina
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in North Carolina
1. You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates North Carolina Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in North Carolina
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in North Carolina

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 Dogs aren't presumed to be dangerous,  although there is a possible exception for pit bull terriers in cities that have  enacted breed-specific restrictions ( See Dangerous Dogs ). So  only a landlord who has specific knowledge of the dog's dangerous disposition is legally responsible if it injures someone. In practice, that means the  landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept  chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable  if the dog bites someone. A New York court, given those circumstances, did  not hold a landlord liable for the injury her tenant's dog had inflicted. Especially in light of the town's leash law, the court ruled, the landlord  shouldn't be expected to infer that a dog is dangerous just because it is kept  enclosed in a yard. 39
If the dog is particularly threatening, however, that may be enough  evidence of a dangerous tendency, as a Colorado landlord found out. Before  signing a lease, the landlord took care of two dogs that belonged to a  prospective tenant. During the two weeks he had the dogs, they threatened  his grandchild. Nevertheless, he rented to the tenants.

Dogs aren't presumed to be dangerous,  although there is a possible exception for pit bull terriers in cities that have  enacted breed-specific restrictions ( See Dangerous Dogs ). So  only a landlord who has specific knowledge of the dog's dangerous disposition is legally responsible if it injures someone. In practice, that means the  landlord must know that the dog has already threatened or injured someone. For example, a landlord who knows only that a tenant's dog is kept  chained and barks at people who approach probably will not be held liable  if the dog bites someone. A New York court, given those circumstances, did  not hold a landlord liable for the injury her tenant's dog had inflicted. Especially in light of the town's leash law, the court ruled, the landlord  shouldn't be expected to infer that a dog is dangerous just because it is kept  enclosed in a yard. 39
If the dog is particularly threatening, however, that may be enough  evidence of a dangerous tendency, as a Colorado landlord found out. Before  signing a lease, the landlord took care of two dogs that belonged to a  prospective tenant. During the two weeks he had the dogs, they threatened  his grandchild. Nevertheless, he rented to the tenants.

Difference Between a Lease & Sublease Agreement | Pocketsense Difference Between a Lease & Sublease Agreement
Difference Between a Lease & Sublease Agreement
Tips
Contract Parties
Contract Terms
Responsibility for Rent Payments
Other Responsibilities
Establishing a Sublease
 A sublease agreement may only last for several months. For example, a student may sign a lease with a one-year term, and then sublet the rental property during the summer break when he goes away for a vacation. 00:00
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Responsibility for Rent Payments
With a lease agreement, the tenant assumes the responsibility to pay regular rent to the landlord. A sublease agreement does not transfer the tenant's responsibility to pay rent to the landlord. A sublease agreement gives the subtenant a legal obligation to pay the tenant, but the tenant remains the one with the legal obligation to pay rent to the landlord. Other Responsibilities
A lease agreement binds the tenant to certain obligations toward the landlord as stated in the lease. The tenant remains liable to these obligations, even if he has sublet the rental property to someone else. The tenant also assumes landlord-like responsibilities with a sublease agreement. For example, the tenant has to give sufficient notice to the subtenant to end the sublease arrangement, and the tenant has to follow proper eviction procedures if the subtenant refuses to move out when required. Establishing a Sublease
If you're a tenant, you may be able to sublease to a third party if your lease agreement doesn't forbid it.

Difference Between a Lease & Sublease Agreement | Pocketsense

Difference Between a Lease & Sublease Agreement
Difference Between a Lease & Sublease Agreement
Tips
Contract Parties
Contract Terms
Responsibility for Rent Payments
Other Responsibilities
Establishing a Sublease

A sublease agreement may only last for several months. For example, a student may sign a lease with a one-year term, and then sublet the rental property during the summer break when he goes away for a vacation. 00:00
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Brought to you by Sapling
Brought to you by Sapling
Responsibility for Rent Payments
With a lease agreement, the tenant assumes the responsibility to pay regular rent to the landlord. A sublease agreement does not transfer the tenant's responsibility to pay rent to the landlord. A sublease agreement gives the subtenant a legal obligation to pay the tenant, but the tenant remains the one with the legal obligation to pay rent to the landlord. Other Responsibilities
A lease agreement binds the tenant to certain obligations toward the landlord as stated in the lease. The tenant remains liable to these obligations, even if he has sublet the rental property to someone else. The tenant also assumes landlord-like responsibilities with a sublease agreement. For example, the tenant has to give sufficient notice to the subtenant to end the sublease arrangement, and the tenant has to follow proper eviction procedures if the subtenant refuses to move out when required. Establishing a Sublease
If you're a tenant, you may be able to sublease to a third party if your lease agreement doesn't forbid it.

Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law
Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law Once the property is rented to someone else, the tenant is not liable for additional rent unless the unit is sublet. If the property stands vacant for several days, weeks, or months, the landlord will be able to deduct from the deposit the actual amount of rent the landlord lost until a new tenant starts paying. If the property remains vacant for a period that is longer than is covered by the security deposit, then the landlord can hold the tenant liable for the lost rent covering the lease term until someone does move in so long as the landlord makes reasonable efforts to lease the property. The landlord can also charge for re-renting costs such as advertising. Some leases have a reletting fee written into the contract. This fee can be as much as one month's rent. A tenant may successfully challenge his landlord about this arbitrary amount based on the fact that security deposits are meant to be used to cover actual financial losses. If a landlord spends the equivalent of the reletting fee to re-rent the apartment, then that is a legitimate charge. However, if a landlord runs a $50 ad, re-rents the place quickly, and loses no rent but tries to charge the tenant the whole reletting fee, that may be considered a penalty and unenforceable under Texas law. Some leases state that the tenant "forfeits" or loses the security deposit if the lease is breached or broken.

Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law

Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law
Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law

Once the property is rented to someone else, the tenant is not liable for additional rent unless the unit is sublet. If the property stands vacant for several days, weeks, or months, the landlord will be able to deduct from the deposit the actual amount of rent the landlord lost until a new tenant starts paying. If the property remains vacant for a period that is longer than is covered by the security deposit, then the landlord can hold the tenant liable for the lost rent covering the lease term until someone does move in so long as the landlord makes reasonable efforts to lease the property. The landlord can also charge for re-renting costs such as advertising. Some leases have a reletting fee written into the contract. This fee can be as much as one month's rent. A tenant may successfully challenge his landlord about this arbitrary amount based on the fact that security deposits are meant to be used to cover actual financial losses. If a landlord spends the equivalent of the reletting fee to re-rent the apartment, then that is a legitimate charge. However, if a landlord runs a $50 ad, re-rents the place quickly, and loses no rent but tries to charge the tenant the whole reletting fee, that may be considered a penalty and unenforceable under Texas law. Some leases state that the tenant "forfeits" or loses the security deposit if the lease is breached or broken.

Renting and the Law: Housemate has become hostile. Can renter get out of lease? - StarTribune.com Renting and the Law: Housemate has become hostile. Can renter get out of lease?
Home & Garden
Renting and the Law: Housemate has become hostile. Can renter get out of lease?
 Do I have any legal recourse against the other tenant under the terms of the lease? Is it possible to sue the other tenant for my share of the rent for the remainder of the lease, given that the circumstances create an uninhabitable living environment? A: As you indicated, both parties named on the lease are jointly and severally liable for the rent payment, which means that if one tenant breaks the lease and moves out without paying their share, the remaining tenant is responsible for all of the rent. However, the remaining tenant can then go after the absent tenant for his share of the rent in conciliation court. You do have legal recourse against your tenant. Typically, only a landlord can file an eviction case, so you can request that your landlord file an eviction naming only your roommate, and not you, but this can be risky. From your description of the behavior, it sounds like your roommate is harassing you. If your roommate is threatening you, harassing you or hurting you, you can apply for an Order for Protection (“OFP”) or a Harassment Order. An OFP doesn’t require an attorney and does not cost money to file.

Renting and the Law: Housemate has become hostile. Can renter get out of lease? - StarTribune.com

Renting and the Law: Housemate has become hostile. Can renter get out of lease?
Home & Garden
Renting and the Law: Housemate has become hostile. Can renter get out of lease?

Do I have any legal recourse against the other tenant under the terms of the lease? Is it possible to sue the other tenant for my share of the rent for the remainder of the lease, given that the circumstances create an uninhabitable living environment? A: As you indicated, both parties named on the lease are jointly and severally liable for the rent payment, which means that if one tenant breaks the lease and moves out without paying their share, the remaining tenant is responsible for all of the rent. However, the remaining tenant can then go after the absent tenant for his share of the rent in conciliation court. You do have legal recourse against your tenant. Typically, only a landlord can file an eviction case, so you can request that your landlord file an eviction naming only your roommate, and not you, but this can be risky. From your description of the behavior, it sounds like your roommate is harassing you. If your roommate is threatening you, harassing you or hurting you, you can apply for an Order for Protection (“OFP”) or a Harassment Order. An OFP doesn’t require an attorney and does not cost money to file.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Colorado | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Colorado
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Colorado
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a fixed-term lease in Colorado and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Colorado
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Colorado
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Colorado Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Your Landlord Fails to Repair a Gas-Related Hazardous Condition
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Colorado
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Colorado
 But keep in mind that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you will be liable for paying rent until the landlord, using reasonable efforts, rerents the unit. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends, or if the market is cold (there's lots of competitive units out there, unrented). Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in a Colorado small claims court where the limit is $7,500 in Colorado. ( If the amount at issue is equal to or less than $25,000, your landlord might sue you in the appropriate Colorado county court .) How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord. More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
Every Tenant's Legal Guide, by Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart (Nolo) provides extensive legal and practical advice that every tenant needs, from move in to move out, including how to get your landlord to cancel your lease, plus dozens of forms and sample letters.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Colorado | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Colorado
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Colorado
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a fixed-term lease in Colorado and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Colorado
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Colorado
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Colorado Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Your Landlord Fails to Repair a Gas-Related Hazardous Condition
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Colorado
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Colorado

Security Deposits - housing_selfhelp Security Deposits
Security Deposits
Return of security deposit
Security Deposit Disputes
Avoiding security deposit disputes
Keeping records of the condition of the rental property
Giving the landlord notice of intent to move out
Roommate situations
More Information
 Click for a inventory checklist you can print out. Giving the landlord notice of intent to move out
If you are the tenant and intend to move out (and you pay rent once a month), you have to give your landlord 30 days’ notice in writing. If you do not, the landlord can charge you for the unpaid rent even after you move out. Unless a new tenant pays the rent, you will have to pay for those 30 days. If you pay rent every week, you have to give 7 days’ notice. If your lease is not up yet and you want to move out, you will need to talk to your landlord. If your lease or your landlord allows you to sublet the unit, you can find a subtenant, following the landlord’s or the lease requirements. Or, the landlord may allow you to let someone else take over your lease, and give you back your deposit and take a new security deposit from the person taking over the lease. BUT if your landlord does not agree to let you off the lease early or to sublet the unit, and you still break the lease, you may be liable to the landlord for the rent through the end of the lease. The landlord will have a “duty to mitigate,” which means that he or she will have to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit and if he or she is able to rent it, you are only liable for rent for the month (s) it went unrented.

Security Deposits - housing_selfhelp

Click for a inventory checklist you can print out. Giving the landlord notice of intent to move out
If you are the tenant and intend to move out (and you pay rent once a month), you have to give your landlord 30 days’ notice in writing. If you do not, the landlord can charge you for the unpaid rent even after you move out. Unless a new tenant pays the rent, you will have to pay for those 30 days. If you pay rent every week, you have to give 7 days’ notice. If your lease is not up yet and you want to move out, you will need to talk to your landlord. If your lease or your landlord allows you to sublet the unit, you can find a subtenant, following the landlord’s or the lease requirements. Or, the landlord may allow you to let someone else take over your lease, and give you back your deposit and take a new security deposit from the person taking over the lease. BUT if your landlord does not agree to let you off the lease early or to sublet the unit, and you still break the lease, you may be liable to the landlord for the rent through the end of the lease. The landlord will have a “duty to mitigate,” which means that he or she will have to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit and if he or she is able to rent it, you are only liable for rent for the month (s) it went unrented.

3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite 3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
Vicious Dogs at Your Rental Property
Tenant Usually Liable for a Dog Bite
Advise Tenants to Purchase Renter's Insurance:
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable
3 Ways Landlords Can Protect Themselves
 Able to Remove the Animal but Did Not: In a situation where the landlord had knowledge that the animal was dangerous and had the ability to remove the animal, but chose not to, the landlord could be held liable if the dog injures someone. For example: The tenant signed a pet agreement that stated if the dog displayed any vicious behavior, the tenant must get rid of the animal or must move-out with the animal. The dog bit someone. This would be considered vicious behavior. According to the pet agreement, the dog and/or tenant should no longer live in the property. If the landlord did not follow through on this contract, and the dog bites another person, the landlord could be liable. In this case, the landlord knowingly and willingly allowed a dangerous animal that was a threat to others to continue to live in their property. The theory is that, while the landlord does not own the dog, their negligence contributed to any future attack.

Able to Remove the Animal but Did Not: In a situation where the landlord had knowledge that the animal was dangerous and had the ability to remove the animal, but chose not to, the landlord could be held liable if the dog injures someone. For example: The tenant signed a pet agreement that stated if the dog displayed any vicious behavior, the tenant must get rid of the animal or must move-out with the animal. The dog bit someone. This would be considered vicious behavior. According to the pet agreement, the dog and/or tenant should no longer live in the property. If the landlord did not follow through on this contract, and the dog bites another person, the landlord could be liable. In this case, the landlord knowingly and willingly allowed a dangerous animal that was a threat to others to continue to live in their property. The theory is that, while the landlord does not own the dog, their negligence contributed to any future attack.

Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses
Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses
What are break clauses in Tenancy Agreements?
Here is an example of a break clause (please do NOT use it without seeking legal advice):
Serving notice to break the tenancy
What if the tenant vacates early?
Why the break clause is used
The reason I don’t use break clauses
My preferred alternative to a break clause
Mutually terminating the tenancy early
Need [free] legal advice on enforcing a break clause or ending a tenancy?
Do you use break clauses?
About the Blogger (" The Landlord ")
208 Join the Conversation...
Nobody
Landlord
Tenant
Agent
Legal
Buyer
Developer
Enthusiast
 What if the tenant vacates early? This isn’t really a problem, and the reality is, landlords can’t physically prevent tenants from vacating early. However, the important thing to remember is that the tenant will remain liable for the rent until the last day of the termination date (based on the break clause end-date). Why the break clause is used
Break clauses really are about flexibility for both tenant and landlord. They provide landlords/tenants the opportunity to break a tenancy if personal circumstances change. This could include scenarios such as relocating for work related purposes, changes financial circumstances, or even because the relationship between the tenant and landlord turned sour. The reason I don’t use break clauses
I personally don’t use break clauses in my tenancy agreements, the reason being is that they don’t seem convincingly reliable (from what I’ve read and been told), which makes them kind of scary to me. Let me explain…
Assuming the landlord is relying on the break clause by serving their tenant with a notice- if the tenant refuses to vacate and remains in the property, the landlord will need to issue court proceedings so they can get a order possession from the Judge. The Judge will then look at the break clause to see if it is valid. If the Judge is not happy with the clause the landlord will not get possession.

Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses

Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses
Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses
What are break clauses in Tenancy Agreements?
Here is an example of a break clause (please do NOT use it without seeking legal advice):
Serving notice to break the tenancy
What if the tenant vacates early?
Why the break clause is used
The reason I don’t use break clauses
My preferred alternative to a break clause
Mutually terminating the tenancy early
Need [free] legal advice on enforcing a break clause or ending a tenancy?
Do you use break clauses?
About the Blogger (" The Landlord ")
208 Join the Conversation...
Nobody
Landlord
Tenant
Agent
Legal
Buyer
Developer
Enthusiast

What if the tenant vacates early? This isn’t really a problem, and the reality is, landlords can’t physically prevent tenants from vacating early. However, the important thing to remember is that the tenant will remain liable for the rent until the last day of the termination date (based on the break clause end-date). Why the break clause is used
Break clauses really are about flexibility for both tenant and landlord. They provide landlords/tenants the opportunity to break a tenancy if personal circumstances change. This could include scenarios such as relocating for work related purposes, changes financial circumstances, or even because the relationship between the tenant and landlord turned sour. The reason I don’t use break clauses
I personally don’t use break clauses in my tenancy agreements, the reason being is that they don’t seem convincingly reliable (from what I’ve read and been told), which makes them kind of scary to me. Let me explain…
Assuming the landlord is relying on the break clause by serving their tenant with a notice- if the tenant refuses to vacate and remains in the property, the landlord will need to issue court proceedings so they can get a order possession from the Judge. The Judge will then look at the break clause to see if it is valid. If the Judge is not happy with the clause the landlord will not get possession.

The Risks of Being a Cosigner on a Lease Agreement | Lawyers.com
Should I Cosign Someone Else’s Lease?
Although there are risks involved, being a friend's or family member's lease cosigner might be worth it.
What Is a Lease Cosigner?
Cons of Being a Cosigner
Pros of Being a Cosigner
If You Decide to Cosign
 In legalese, a cosigner is “jointly and severally liable” with the tenant, meaning that in the event the tenant breaks the lease, the landlord can seek compensation from both the tenant and the cosigner. For example, if a tenant skips out of the rental owing two months’ rent, the landlord can choose to sue the tenant or the cosigner—or both—for the full amount the tenant owes. Cons of Being a Cosigner
As a cosigner, because you are jointly and severally liable with the tenant, any misstep by the tenant exposes you to legal claims from the landlord, which could result in any or all of the following. Monetary liability. When a tenant doesn’t pay rent or causes damage to the rental unit, the landlord’s first recourse is to deduct the money owed from the tenant’s security deposit. If the security deposit isn’t sufficient to reimburse the landlord, the landlord can then turn to you. If the landlord has reason to believe the tenant can’t pay up, the landlord can seek payment from you before even attempting to collect from the tenant. Credit score dings. Whenever you fail to live up to a financial responsibility, your credit score might take a hit. If you’re not able to hold up your end of the cosigner agreement, your credit score might be negatively affected, even though you weren’t the renter.

The Risks of Being a Cosigner on a Lease Agreement | Lawyers.com

Should I Cosign Someone Else’s Lease?
Although there are risks involved, being a friend's or family member's lease cosigner might be worth it.
What Is a Lease Cosigner?
Cons of Being a Cosigner
Pros of Being a Cosigner
If You Decide to Cosign

In legalese, a cosigner is “jointly and severally liable” with the tenant, meaning that in the event the tenant breaks the lease, the landlord can seek compensation from both the tenant and the cosigner. For example, if a tenant skips out of the rental owing two months’ rent, the landlord can choose to sue the tenant or the cosigner—or both—for the full amount the tenant owes. Cons of Being a Cosigner
As a cosigner, because you are jointly and severally liable with the tenant, any misstep by the tenant exposes you to legal claims from the landlord, which could result in any or all of the following. Monetary liability. When a tenant doesn’t pay rent or causes damage to the rental unit, the landlord’s first recourse is to deduct the money owed from the tenant’s security deposit. If the security deposit isn’t sufficient to reimburse the landlord, the landlord can then turn to you. If the landlord has reason to believe the tenant can’t pay up, the landlord can seek payment from you before even attempting to collect from the tenant. Credit score dings. Whenever you fail to live up to a financial responsibility, your credit score might take a hit. If you’re not able to hold up your end of the cosigner agreement, your credit score might be negatively affected, even though you weren’t the renter.

What to Do (and What Not to) When a Tenant's Rent Is Late | Avail What to Do (and What Not to) When a Tenant’s Rent Is Late
What to Do (and What Not to) When a Tenant’s Rent Is Late
Step 1: Check Your Lease Documents and Payment Records
Step 2: Send a Late Rent Notice
Step 3: Make a Phone Call
Step 4: Send a Pay or Quit Notice
Step 5: Take Legal Action
Important Points to Remember
Common Questions About Late Rent Payments
Q: How do I handle a tenant’s bounced checks?
Q: Can a landlord sue for unpaid rent?
Q: Does landlord insurance cover unpaid rent in situations of eviction?
How to Avoid Late Rent Payments
 Notify the tenant immediately if their check bounces, and if they don’t rectify the situation right away, then start the steps above. Q: Can a landlord sue for unpaid rent? A: Unless there is a provision in the lease allowing them to break it (for example, if the tenant gives 30 days’ notice that he wants to move, then he can exit the lease), then they are still legally liable for any and all past-due payments and future rent payments until the landlord decides to rent to someone else. In this case, you’ll definitely want to get an experienced lawyer on your side. You may also be able to sue for money to cover the costs of advertising for a new tenant and for cleaning and repairing the unit. Q: Does landlord insurance cover unpaid rent in situations of eviction? A:

What to Do (and What Not to) When a Tenant's Rent Is Late | Avail

What to Do (and What Not to) When a Tenant’s Rent Is Late
What to Do (and What Not to) When a Tenant’s Rent Is Late
Step 1: Check Your Lease Documents and Payment Records
Step 2: Send a Late Rent Notice
Step 3: Make a Phone Call
Step 4: Send a Pay or Quit Notice
Step 5: Take Legal Action
Important Points to Remember
Common Questions About Late Rent Payments
Q: How do I handle a tenant’s bounced checks?
Q: Can a landlord sue for unpaid rent?
Q: Does landlord insurance cover unpaid rent in situations of eviction?
How to Avoid Late Rent Payments

Notify the tenant immediately if their check bounces, and if they don’t rectify the situation right away, then start the steps above. Q: Can a landlord sue for unpaid rent? A: Unless there is a provision in the lease allowing them to break it (for example, if the tenant gives 30 days’ notice that he wants to move, then he can exit the lease), then they are still legally liable for any and all past-due payments and future rent payments until the landlord decides to rent to someone else. In this case, you’ll definitely want to get an experienced lawyer on your side. You may also be able to sue for money to cover the costs of advertising for a new tenant and for cleaning and repairing the unit. Q: Does landlord insurance cover unpaid rent in situations of eviction? A:

Share Accommodation | Flatmates.com.au NSW Tenancy Agreements
NSW Tenancy Agreements
All residential tenancies in NSW are covered by standard terms which cannot be altered. It is the landlords obligation to put the agreement in writing.
What is the agreement’s purpose?
Do I need to have an agreement in writing?
Is there a minimum or maximum length of agreement?
Important things to remember in share accommodation agreements
Should I use a Break Fee in the Tenancy Agreement?
Can I change the terms of the Standard Form Agreement?
Transferring money safely
You might also be interested in
 If no break fee is set, then the Tribunal will determine how much the tenant will be liable for to compensate the landlord. Flatmates recommends setting a break fee in most share accommodation situations. By having a break fee, the tenant is certain about their liability if they terminate the tenancy before the end of the fixed term. Having a break fee also reduces the time and cost of resolving any disputes over compensation. Can I change the terms of the Standard Form Agreement? The tenant and landlord can agree for additional terms to apply to the agreement in addition to the standard terms. Any additional terms cannot contradict or change the standard terms, and also cannot try to exclude any of the standard terms from applying to the agreement. Some types of additional terms that are NOT allowed under NSW law include: Obligation for a tenant to clean or pay for the cleaning of carpet at the end of the tenancy
Requirement for the tenant to take out any form of insurance
Exemptions to the landlord’s liability for acts and omissions
Terms making the tenant liable for additional payments if they breach the agreement
Rent reductions if the tenant does not breach the agreement
Requirements that the tenant use services from a specific person or business
Transferring money safely
When paying your deposit, bond or rent by cash make sure you get a receipt. With modern phones this can be as simple as an SMS or email confirming the amount, date and what it is for.

Share Accommodation | Flatmates.com.au

NSW Tenancy Agreements
NSW Tenancy Agreements
All residential tenancies in NSW are covered by standard terms which cannot be altered. It is the landlords obligation to put the agreement in writing.
What is the agreement’s purpose?
Do I need to have an agreement in writing?
Is there a minimum or maximum length of agreement?
Important things to remember in share accommodation agreements
Should I use a Break Fee in the Tenancy Agreement?
Can I change the terms of the Standard Form Agreement?
Transferring money safely
You might also be interested in

If no break fee is set, then the Tribunal will determine how much the tenant will be liable for to compensate the landlord. Flatmates recommends setting a break fee in most share accommodation situations. By having a break fee, the tenant is certain about their liability if they terminate the tenancy before the end of the fixed term. Having a break fee also reduces the time and cost of resolving any disputes over compensation. Can I change the terms of the Standard Form Agreement? The tenant and landlord can agree for additional terms to apply to the agreement in addition to the standard terms. Any additional terms cannot contradict or change the standard terms, and also cannot try to exclude any of the standard terms from applying to the agreement. Some types of additional terms that are NOT allowed under NSW law include: Obligation for a tenant to clean or pay for the cleaning of carpet at the end of the tenancy
Requirement for the tenant to take out any form of insurance
Exemptions to the landlord’s liability for acts and omissions
Terms making the tenant liable for additional payments if they breach the agreement
Rent reductions if the tenant does not breach the agreement
Requirements that the tenant use services from a specific person or business
Transferring money safely
When paying your deposit, bond or rent by cash make sure you get a receipt. With modern phones this can be as simple as an SMS or email confirming the amount, date and what it is for.

What Happens If You Break a Lease in Texas? What Happens If You Break a Lease in Texas?
What Happens If You Break a Lease in Texas?
Texas Lease Terms That Renters Are Most Likely to Break
Laws and Regulations Related to Breaking a Lease in Texas
Eviction Process in Texas
 They have to find another renter as quickly as possible to minimize the cost for you if you have to move out early. However, they don’t have to accept something less than fair market value in an effort to get someone in ASAP. Reletting Fees – Reletting refers to the landlord’s requirement to re-rent your place. Legally a landlord can charge reletting fees to offset any costs associated with advertising and getting the place ready for lease. Non-Payment Eviction – If you fail to pay your rent or break your lease in another major way, the landlord can have you evicted within two weeks of breaching the contract. Prior to the eviction, the landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice to vacate at least 72 hours in advance. If a tenant doesn’t vacate on their own the landlord will then need to get an eviction judgment from a justice of the peace to enforce the move out. Liability for Expenses Incurred – Tenants could lose more than their deposit if they breach their lease. Texas regulations state that tenants are liable for any expenses that the landlord incurs because a lease was broken. Safety Concerns Work Both Ways – Under Texas law landlords must ensure that their property meets safety and health standards.

What Happens If You Break a Lease in Texas?

What Happens If You Break a Lease in Texas?
What Happens If You Break a Lease in Texas?
Texas Lease Terms That Renters Are Most Likely to Break
Laws and Regulations Related to Breaking a Lease in Texas
Eviction Process in Texas

They have to find another renter as quickly as possible to minimize the cost for you if you have to move out early. However, they don’t have to accept something less than fair market value in an effort to get someone in ASAP. Reletting Fees – Reletting refers to the landlord’s requirement to re-rent your place. Legally a landlord can charge reletting fees to offset any costs associated with advertising and getting the place ready for lease. Non-Payment Eviction – If you fail to pay your rent or break your lease in another major way, the landlord can have you evicted within two weeks of breaching the contract. Prior to the eviction, the landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice to vacate at least 72 hours in advance. If a tenant doesn’t vacate on their own the landlord will then need to get an eviction judgment from a justice of the peace to enforce the move out. Liability for Expenses Incurred – Tenants could lose more than their deposit if they breach their lease. Texas regulations state that tenants are liable for any expenses that the landlord incurs because a lease was broken. Safety Concerns Work Both Ways – Under Texas law landlords must ensure that their property meets safety and health standards.

What to Do (and What Not to) When a Tenant's Rent Is Late | Avail What to Do (and What Not to) When a Tenant’s Rent Is Late
What to Do (and What Not to) When a Tenant’s Rent Is Late
Step 1: Check Your Lease Documents and Payment Records
Step 2: Send a Late Rent Notice
Step 3: Make a Phone Call
Step 4: Send a Pay or Quit Notice
Step 5: Take Legal Action
Important Points to Remember
Common Questions About Late Rent Payments
Q: How do I handle a tenant’s bounced checks?
Q: Can a landlord sue for unpaid rent?
Q: Does landlord insurance cover unpaid rent in situations of eviction?
How to Avoid Late Rent Payments
 How do I handle a tenant’s bounced checks? A: Your lease should also have a section specifying your response. Most landlords consider a bounced check to be late rent and charge late fees accordingly. Depending on the state, you may be able to charge an additional fee for the very fact that it bounced. Notify the tenant immediately if their check bounces, and if they don’t rectify the situation right away, then start the steps above. Q: Can a landlord sue for unpaid rent? A: Unless there is a provision in the lease allowing them to break it (for example, if the tenant gives 30 days’ notice that he wants to move, then he can exit the lease), then they are still legally liable for any and all past-due payments and future rent payments until the landlord decides to rent to someone else.

How do I handle a tenant’s bounced checks? A: Your lease should also have a section specifying your response. Most landlords consider a bounced check to be late rent and charge late fees accordingly. Depending on the state, you may be able to charge an additional fee for the very fact that it bounced. Notify the tenant immediately if their check bounces, and if they don’t rectify the situation right away, then start the steps above. Q: Can a landlord sue for unpaid rent? A: Unless there is a provision in the lease allowing them to break it (for example, if the tenant gives 30 days’ notice that he wants to move, then he can exit the lease), then they are still legally liable for any and all past-due payments and future rent payments until the landlord decides to rent to someone else.

Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law
Security Deposit Refund Texas Renters Rights Law The demand letter should include a response to each of the deductions, explaining which charges are being disputed and why. The tenant should keep a copy of the letter and send the original by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the tenant receives a partial refund along with the list of deductions and wants to dispute some or all of the deductions, the tenant may want to refrain from cashing the check. If the tenant must cash the check then the tenant should tell the landlord in the letter that even though the check has been cashed, it does not mean the tenant agrees with the amount of the check. What if the Tenant Breaks the Lease or Does Not Move in After Paying a Deposit? A tenant does not automatically forfeit the deposit for breaking a lease, but the deposit can be used to cover costs for which the tenant is liable. If a tenant must break a lease, doing everything possible to help the landlord re-rent the premises will reduce the tenant's liability. The landlord may have grounds to keep some or all of a deposit given to take a rental unit off the market, based on losses the landlord suffered. If a tenant has entered into a lease with a landlord and paid a security deposit or prepaid rent and does not move into the unit, the tenant is entitled to a full refund if the tenant finds a replacement tenant satisfactory to the landlord who moves in by the date the lease was to begin. On the other hand, if the landlord secures the replacement tenant, the landlord may deduct from the security deposit or rent prepayment any amount agreed to in the lease as a lease cancellation fee OR actual expenses incurred by the landlord, including a reasonable amount for the landlord's time in finding a replacement tenant.

The demand letter should include a response to each of the deductions, explaining which charges are being disputed and why. The tenant should keep a copy of the letter and send the original by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the tenant receives a partial refund along with the list of deductions and wants to dispute some or all of the deductions, the tenant may want to refrain from cashing the check. If the tenant must cash the check then the tenant should tell the landlord in the letter that even though the check has been cashed, it does not mean the tenant agrees with the amount of the check. What if the Tenant Breaks the Lease or Does Not Move in After Paying a Deposit? A tenant does not automatically forfeit the deposit for breaking a lease, but the deposit can be used to cover costs for which the tenant is liable. If a tenant must break a lease, doing everything possible to help the landlord re-rent the premises will reduce the tenant's liability. The landlord may have grounds to keep some or all of a deposit given to take a rental unit off the market, based on losses the landlord suffered. If a tenant has entered into a lease with a landlord and paid a security deposit or prepaid rent and does not move into the unit, the tenant is entitled to a full refund if the tenant finds a replacement tenant satisfactory to the landlord who moves in by the date the lease was to begin. On the other hand, if the landlord secures the replacement tenant, the landlord may deduct from the security deposit or rent prepayment any amount agreed to in the lease as a lease cancellation fee OR actual expenses incurred by the landlord, including a reasonable amount for the landlord's time in finding a replacement tenant.

Dog Law :: Landlords and Dogs > Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs :: DogLaw.HugPug.com
Landlord Liability for Tenants' Dogs
Knowing About and Having Power to Remove the Dog
INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Endnotes
 A landlord who  doesn't think getting rid of the dog is necessary may still want to take  precautions, such as fencing in a yard or asking the tenant to keep the dog  inside or post warning signs. INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
A landlord may be liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog even if the  injuries don't occur on the rented property. The Supreme Court of  Oregon ruled that a landlord can be liable if the landlord knew that the  dog posed an unreasonable risk of harm to persons off the rental  property. In that case, the landlord knew that the dog had been declared  "potentially dangerous" by the county after it bit a child, and that the  dog was sometimes allowed to roam. 45
A California Court of Appeal ruled similarly, stating that liability for  a dog bite off the premises depends on the same factors as liability for an  injury on the premises. If, for example, a dog escapes because of defects  in the landlord's property, the landlord would be liable for off-site  injuries caused by the dog. 46 Some courts, however, have ruled that a  landlord has no duty to prevent injuries to third parties caused by a  tenant's dog off the premises. 47
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Someone who "keeps" or "harbors" a dog - that is, cares for or exercises  some control over it - is usually treated just like the dog's legal owner when  it comes to liability for injury the dog causes. A landlord who does more  than merely rent to a tenant who has a dog may be considered a "keeper"  for purposes of liability. Here are some examples that show how courts  evaluate such situations:

A landlord who  doesn't think getting rid of the dog is necessary may still want to take  precautions, such as fencing in a yard or asking the tenant to keep the dog  inside or post warning signs. INJURIES OFF THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
A landlord may be liable for injuries caused by a tenant's dog even if the  injuries don't occur on the rented property. The Supreme Court of  Oregon ruled that a landlord can be liable if the landlord knew that the  dog posed an unreasonable risk of harm to persons off the rental  property. In that case, the landlord knew that the dog had been declared  "potentially dangerous" by the county after it bit a child, and that the  dog was sometimes allowed to roam. 45
A California Court of Appeal ruled similarly, stating that liability for  a dog bite off the premises depends on the same factors as liability for an  injury on the premises. If, for example, a dog escapes because of defects  in the landlord's property, the landlord would be liable for off-site  injuries caused by the dog. 46 Some courts, however, have ruled that a  landlord has no duty to prevent injuries to third parties caused by a  tenant's dog off the premises. 47
Harboring a Tenant's Dog
Someone who "keeps" or "harbors" a dog - that is, cares for or exercises  some control over it - is usually treated just like the dog's legal owner when  it comes to liability for injury the dog causes. A landlord who does more  than merely rent to a tenant who has a dog may be considered a "keeper"  for purposes of liability. Here are some examples that show how courts  evaluate such situations:

When Dogs Bite People When Dogs Bite People
Return to your topic: Plain English Overview of Dog Bite Law
When Dogs Bite People
Real simple definitions
The one bite rule
Negligence
Statutory liability
The victim is compensated by the dog owner's insurance company
What can the victim receive money for?
What about punitive damages?
Suppose the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog, or was injured without being bitten?
Are there people who are never allowed to get compensated for a dog bite?
Is the dog owner the only person who can be held legally liable for a dog bite?
What should a dog bite victim do to ensure getting compensation?
How to get more information
 General negligence" is the doing of an act without due care, or failing to do something that due care requires. It also can be defined as doing something unreasonable, or failing to do something that reason requires. A common example of negligence is allowing a dog to run loose in a day care center. Other examples of negligence include allowing a dog to run loose at a sleepover, chaining a dog to a tree near a family gathering, and walking too many dogs at once. A landlord can be held liable for negligence for allowing a vicious dog to live on the landlord's premises or even a tenant's premises. Another kind of negligence is violating an animal control law. Many cities have leash laws, laws that prohibit dogs from running at large, and laws that prohibit dogs from trespassing. Breaking one of those laws is not only a minor crime but also a form of negligence. It is referred to as "negligence per se," which is defined as the doing of an act that violates a law intended to prevent harm, such as a leash law. The person who violates any such law usually must pay full compensation to someone who is hurt because of the violation, as well as pay the penalty for the crime.

When Dogs Bite People

When Dogs Bite People
Return to your topic: Plain English Overview of Dog Bite Law
When Dogs Bite People
Real simple definitions
The one bite rule
Negligence
Statutory liability
The victim is compensated by the dog owner's insurance company
What can the victim receive money for?
What about punitive damages?
Suppose the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog, or was injured without being bitten?
Are there people who are never allowed to get compensated for a dog bite?
Is the dog owner the only person who can be held legally liable for a dog bite?
What should a dog bite victim do to ensure getting compensation?
How to get more information

General negligence" is the doing of an act without due care, or failing to do something that due care requires. It also can be defined as doing something unreasonable, or failing to do something that reason requires. A common example of negligence is allowing a dog to run loose in a day care center. Other examples of negligence include allowing a dog to run loose at a sleepover, chaining a dog to a tree near a family gathering, and walking too many dogs at once. A landlord can be held liable for negligence for allowing a vicious dog to live on the landlord's premises or even a tenant's premises. Another kind of negligence is violating an animal control law. Many cities have leash laws, laws that prohibit dogs from running at large, and laws that prohibit dogs from trespassing. Breaking one of those laws is not only a minor crime but also a form of negligence. It is referred to as "negligence per se," which is defined as the doing of an act that violates a law intended to prevent harm, such as a leash law. The person who violates any such law usually must pay full compensation to someone who is hurt because of the violation, as well as pay the penalty for the crime.

Breaking A Lease In Chicago - Explained | Domu Apartments How to Get Out of a Lease in Chicago
How to Get Out of a Lease in Chicago
How to Break a Lease on an Apartment in Chicago?
How to Get Out of a Lease for Your Apartment by Agreement?
How Much Does it Cost to Break a Lease?
How to Break a Lease by SubLeasing and Releasing an Apartment?
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 There have been occasions where landlords have included buy-out clauses that only end liability for rent if a new tenant was found. How to Break a Lease by SubLeasing and Releasing an Apartment? Subleasing and releasing are distinct lease termination methods for breaking a lease. Many landlords and tenants do not understand the difference between the two, but the distinction is very important. Tenants in Chicago have the legal right to sublease apartments. The landlord can require consent to sublease, but consent cannot be unreasonably withheld. Typically, this means that a landlord cannot refuse a subtenant that meets the landlord’s legitimate standards, such as credit worthiness, as long as those standards do not exceed those that the landlord had required of the original tenant. In a Chicago apartment sublease, the original tenant takes over the role of landlord to the subtenant. The original tenant remains liable for the apartment rent, damage, and sub-tenant misconduct. The original tenant also assumes all the responsibilities of a landlord under Chicago landlord-tenant law.

Breaking A Lease In Chicago - Explained | Domu Apartments

How to Get Out of a Lease in Chicago
How to Get Out of a Lease in Chicago
How to Break a Lease on an Apartment in Chicago?
How to Get Out of a Lease for Your Apartment by Agreement?
How Much Does it Cost to Break a Lease?
How to Break a Lease by SubLeasing and Releasing an Apartment?
Free Rents Deals
1 Bedroom Apartments
Rooms For Rent
Cheap Apartments
Short Term Rentals
Downtown Apartments
Studio Apartments
Pet Friendly Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments
Luxury Apartments
Condos For Rent
Townhomes For Rent

There have been occasions where landlords have included buy-out clauses that only end liability for rent if a new tenant was found. How to Break a Lease by SubLeasing and Releasing an Apartment? Subleasing and releasing are distinct lease termination methods for breaking a lease. Many landlords and tenants do not understand the difference between the two, but the distinction is very important. Tenants in Chicago have the legal right to sublease apartments. The landlord can require consent to sublease, but consent cannot be unreasonably withheld. Typically, this means that a landlord cannot refuse a subtenant that meets the landlord’s legitimate standards, such as credit worthiness, as long as those standards do not exceed those that the landlord had required of the original tenant. In a Chicago apartment sublease, the original tenant takes over the role of landlord to the subtenant. The original tenant remains liable for the apartment rent, damage, and sub-tenant misconduct. The original tenant also assumes all the responsibilities of a landlord under Chicago landlord-tenant law.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Arizona and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Arizona
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Arizona
1. You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Arizona Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Arizona
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Arizona
 Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $3,500 in Arizona. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Arizona
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Arizona and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Arizona
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Arizona
1. You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Arizona Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Arizona
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Arizona

Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $3,500 in Arizona. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Maryland and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Maryland
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Maryland
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Maryland Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Maryland
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Maryland
 Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Maryland. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Maryland
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Maryland and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Maryland
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Maryland
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Maryland Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Maryland
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Maryland

Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Maryland. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Washington and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Washington
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Washington
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit is Unsafe or Violates Washington Health or Safety Codes
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Stalking
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Washington
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Washington
 Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Washington. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Washington
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Washington and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Washington
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Washington
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit is Unsafe or Violates Washington Health or Safety Codes
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Stalking
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Washington
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Washington

Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in Washington. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly.

California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out | Pocketsense California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out
California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out
California Civil Codes
Return Procedures
Abandoned Property
Property Worth More Than $300
Abandoned Vehicles
Writer Bio
 California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out | Pocketsense
California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out
•••
Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
By: Kim Dieter
Updated December 12, 2019
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A Tenant's Rights on Breaking a Lease in the State of Maine
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When tenants move out of a rental apartment or house, the landlord assumes the tenants will take all of their personal belongings. But sometimes the tenants’ belongings remain behind, especially if the tenants were evicted. Several California laws deal with property left by tenants and describe the procedure to follow when returning the property. If the landlords follow the law, they usually can’t be held liable for damage to the tenants’ property. California Civil Codes
California Civil Codes 1980 to 1991 contain many of the laws regarding the return of personal items left by tenants after they move. Civil Code 1965 provides the penalties if landlords fail to attempt to return tenants’ property. Landlords may be liable for the value of the property, the tenants’ attorney fees and $250. Therefore, landlords must securely store tenants; personal items other than obvious trash.

California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out | Pocketsense

California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out
California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out
California Civil Codes
Return Procedures
Abandoned Property
Property Worth More Than $300
Abandoned Vehicles
Writer Bio

California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out | Pocketsense
California Laws on Items Left After Moving Out
•••
Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
By: Kim Dieter
Updated December 12, 2019
Share It
Share
Tweet
Post
Email
Print
Related
A Tenant's Rights on Breaking a Lease in the State of Maine
Learn More →
When tenants move out of a rental apartment or house, the landlord assumes the tenants will take all of their personal belongings. But sometimes the tenants’ belongings remain behind, especially if the tenants were evicted. Several California laws deal with property left by tenants and describe the procedure to follow when returning the property. If the landlords follow the law, they usually can’t be held liable for damage to the tenants’ property. California Civil Codes
California Civil Codes 1980 to 1991 contain many of the laws regarding the return of personal items left by tenants after they move. Civil Code 1965 provides the penalties if landlords fail to attempt to return tenants’ property. Landlords may be liable for the value of the property, the tenants’ attorney fees and $250. Therefore, landlords must securely store tenants; personal items other than obvious trash.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in California | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in California
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in California
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in California and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in California
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in California
1. You or a Family Member Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Other Specified Crime
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates California Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in California
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in California
 You need pay only the amount of rent the landlord loses because you moved out early. This is because California requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn their attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in California | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in California
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in California
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in California and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in California
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in California
1. You or a Family Member Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Other Specified Crime
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates California Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in California
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in California

You need pay only the amount of rent the landlord loses because you moved out early. This is because California requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn their attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends.

Obligation to Pay Remainder of Lease after Tenant Eviction | RealEstateLawyers Obligation to Pay Remainder of Lease after Tenant Eviction
Obligation to Pay Remainder of Lease after Tenant Eviction
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 A tenant eviction lawfully removes the tenant from the rental. If the tenant breaks a lease and the landlord evicts the tenant, this does not relinquish the tenant of his or her obligation to pay the remaining rent amount. Mitigation
When a tenant breaks a lease, the landlord must mitigate the damages prior to attempting to collect the amount due from the tenant. A landlord must use reasonable efforts to find another tenant. A landlord, however, does not have to select an unqualified tenant or rent the unit at below fair market value. If the landlord is able to find another tenant, the previous tenant may be liable for the amount not recovered. If the landlord does not attempt to re-rent the rental but instead decides to sue the tenant for damages, in most states, a tenant will not be responsible for the entire amount due. It is likely that a court will determine liability by assessing when the landlord would have been able to re-rent the rental had reasonable efforts been made. The tenant's liability will be based on the difference between the court-determined re-rental date and the eviction date. Finding Legal Help
If you were evicted from a rental unit and the landlord is now suing you to recover damages, you should consult with a real estate attorney as soon as possible.

Obligation to Pay Remainder of Lease after Tenant Eviction | RealEstateLawyers

Obligation to Pay Remainder of Lease after Tenant Eviction
Obligation to Pay Remainder of Lease after Tenant Eviction
"In Nolo you can trust."
— The New York Times
Why You Can Trust Us
Featured In
Rent
Tenant Eviction
Mitigation
Finding Legal Help

A tenant eviction lawfully removes the tenant from the rental. If the tenant breaks a lease and the landlord evicts the tenant, this does not relinquish the tenant of his or her obligation to pay the remaining rent amount. Mitigation
When a tenant breaks a lease, the landlord must mitigate the damages prior to attempting to collect the amount due from the tenant. A landlord must use reasonable efforts to find another tenant. A landlord, however, does not have to select an unqualified tenant or rent the unit at below fair market value. If the landlord is able to find another tenant, the previous tenant may be liable for the amount not recovered. If the landlord does not attempt to re-rent the rental but instead decides to sue the tenant for damages, in most states, a tenant will not be responsible for the entire amount due. It is likely that a court will determine liability by assessing when the landlord would have been able to re-rent the rental had reasonable efforts been made. The tenant's liability will be based on the difference between the court-determined re-rental date and the eviction date. Finding Legal Help
If you were evicted from a rental unit and the landlord is now suing you to recover damages, you should consult with a real estate attorney as soon as possible.

Navigating the Assignment of a Commercial Lease | legalzoom.com Navigating the Assignment of a Commercial Lease
Navigating the Assignment of a Commercial Lease
Tenant's Assignment of a Commercial Lease
Getting the Landlord's Consent
Contents of a Tenant's Assignment Agreement
Landlord's Assignment of a Commercial Lease
Ronna L. DeLoe, Esq.
Business Management
Assignment Of Commercial Lease With Landlord Consent - How to Guide
Business Management
5 Tips for Negotiating a Commercial Lease
Real Estate and Business
10 Things to Look for in a Residential or Commercial Lease
Business Management
Understanding an Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Starting a Business
How to Pay Yourself in an LLC
Tenants
Navigating the Assignment of a Residential Lease
Business Management
Using a Hold Harmless Agreement
Real Estate and Business
Understanding Commercial Rental Applications
Business Management
Giving Your Landlord a Lease Termination Letter
Business Management
10 Terms to Include In Your Rental Agreement
Estate Planning Basics
When to Use a Quitclaim Deed
Managing Your Business
How Do I Transfer Title of a Property From a Person to an LLC?
 Most commercial leases require the tenant to pay rent for the rest of the term and possibly additional fees for breaking the lease. Assignment of the lease is another alternative to breaking it. In doing so, you give the new tenant, known as the assignee, the right to occupy the premises in your place for the remainder of your lease term. Getting the Landlord's Consent
Almost all assignments of commercial leases by the tenant need the landlord's consent, so check your original lease for any such language. As with a residential lease, a landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent for you to assign the lease. However, it's up to you as the assignor, or original tenant, to ensure that your assignee is reliable, responsible, and can pay the rent—or you may end up being held financially liable. If the tenant assigns a commercial lease to a new tenant without the landlord's permission, the landlord can sue the original tenant for breaking the lease. The landlord can also collect damages against one or both tenants if he can show that the assignee isn't a good-paying tenant or doesn't have the type of business he wants in the building. He can also end the lease and evict the new tenant. Contents of a Tenant's Assignment Agreement
Assignment of a commercial lease is almost always accompanied by a written agreement to preserve both the tenant's and landlord's rights.

Navigating the Assignment of a Commercial Lease | legalzoom.com

Navigating the Assignment of a Commercial Lease
Navigating the Assignment of a Commercial Lease
Tenant's Assignment of a Commercial Lease
Getting the Landlord's Consent
Contents of a Tenant's Assignment Agreement
Landlord's Assignment of a Commercial Lease
Ronna L. DeLoe, Esq.
Business Management
Assignment Of Commercial Lease With Landlord Consent - How to Guide
Business Management
5 Tips for Negotiating a Commercial Lease
Real Estate and Business
10 Things to Look for in a Residential or Commercial Lease
Business Management
Understanding an Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Starting a Business
How to Pay Yourself in an LLC
Tenants
Navigating the Assignment of a Residential Lease
Business Management
Using a Hold Harmless Agreement
Real Estate and Business
Understanding Commercial Rental Applications
Business Management
Giving Your Landlord a Lease Termination Letter
Business Management
10 Terms to Include In Your Rental Agreement
Estate Planning Basics
When to Use a Quitclaim Deed
Managing Your Business
How Do I Transfer Title of a Property From a Person to an LLC?

Most commercial leases require the tenant to pay rent for the rest of the term and possibly additional fees for breaking the lease. Assignment of the lease is another alternative to breaking it. In doing so, you give the new tenant, known as the assignee, the right to occupy the premises in your place for the remainder of your lease term. Getting the Landlord's Consent
Almost all assignments of commercial leases by the tenant need the landlord's consent, so check your original lease for any such language. As with a residential lease, a landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent for you to assign the lease. However, it's up to you as the assignor, or original tenant, to ensure that your assignee is reliable, responsible, and can pay the rent—or you may end up being held financially liable. If the tenant assigns a commercial lease to a new tenant without the landlord's permission, the landlord can sue the original tenant for breaking the lease. The landlord can also collect damages against one or both tenants if he can show that the assignee isn't a good-paying tenant or doesn't have the type of business he wants in the building. He can also end the lease and evict the new tenant. Contents of a Tenant's Assignment Agreement
Assignment of a commercial lease is almost always accompanied by a written agreement to preserve both the tenant's and landlord's rights.

How to Break Your Lease Without Penalty in Florida | Pocketsense How to Break Your Lease Without Penalty in Florida
How to Break Your Lease Without Penalty in Florida
What Does Breaking a Lease Mean Anyway?
Four Ways to Get Out of a Lease in Florida
Leases With an Early Termination Clause
Terminate Under the Military Clause
The Landlord Violates Tenant Privacy Rights
The Premises Violates Florida Building Codes
No Duty to Mitigate Damages in Florida
 No Duty to Mitigate Damages in Florida
In most states, landlords have a duty to mitigate their damages when a tenant quits a lease. Mitigation means taking steps to reduce your losses. In practical terms, this means the landlord should find a new tenant as quickly as possible instead of relying on you to pay all the remaining rent if you move out before the lease ends. However, landlords in Florida are not obligated to mitigate damages. They can choose to re-rent the premises, in which case, you are liable for the rent from the day you move out to the day the new tenants move in. It could reduce your financial obligations significantly if the landlord finds a new tenant quickly and there are several months left on the lease. But equally, the landlord can choose to do nothing and hold you liable for the remaining rent
If you have to break your lease and move out without a legal justification, the best solution is to work something out with the landlord. She may be willing to let you off the hook in exchange for forfeiting your security payment or paying 2 months' rent to break the lease instead of all the rent that's due. You're always free to negotiate, and there could be a whole lot of cash at stake if you have several months of rent remaining on the lease. References
NOLO:

How to Break Your Lease Without Penalty in Florida | Pocketsense

How to Break Your Lease Without Penalty in Florida
How to Break Your Lease Without Penalty in Florida
What Does Breaking a Lease Mean Anyway?
Four Ways to Get Out of a Lease in Florida
Leases With an Early Termination Clause
Terminate Under the Military Clause
The Landlord Violates Tenant Privacy Rights
The Premises Violates Florida Building Codes
No Duty to Mitigate Damages in Florida

No Duty to Mitigate Damages in Florida
In most states, landlords have a duty to mitigate their damages when a tenant quits a lease. Mitigation means taking steps to reduce your losses. In practical terms, this means the landlord should find a new tenant as quickly as possible instead of relying on you to pay all the remaining rent if you move out before the lease ends. However, landlords in Florida are not obligated to mitigate damages. They can choose to re-rent the premises, in which case, you are liable for the rent from the day you move out to the day the new tenants move in. It could reduce your financial obligations significantly if the landlord finds a new tenant quickly and there are several months left on the lease. But equally, the landlord can choose to do nothing and hold you liable for the remaining rent
If you have to break your lease and move out without a legal justification, the best solution is to work something out with the landlord. She may be willing to let you off the hook in exchange for forfeiting your security payment or paying 2 months' rent to break the lease instead of all the rent that's due. You're always free to negotiate, and there could be a whole lot of cash at stake if you have several months of rent remaining on the lease. References
NOLO:

How to end a joint tenancy - Shelter England How to end a joint tenancy
How to end a joint tenancy
Check if you're a joint tenant
Leaving a joint fixed term tenancy early
At the end of the fixed term contract
If you all leave by the last day of the fixed term
If some tenants want to stay
Replacement tenants
Ending a joint periodic tenancy
Problems with other joint tenants
Relationship breakdown
If you need to talk to someone, we'll do our best to help
Have you had a bad housing experience?
Share your story
 When the notice ends, the tenancy and the right to live in the property will end for all tenants. Any tenants who want to stay on at the property need to try and arrange a new tenancy agreement with the landlord. If you have a joint tenancy agreement with more than 4 named tenants, your rights to serve a notice could be different. Get help from a Shelter adviser if you're in this situation. Problems with other joint tenants
Your fixed term contract is binding and can only be ended if all tenants are in agreement. This means you: can’t remove the name of someone who has left from the contract
can’t force someone to leave
can’t be forced to leave by another tenant
are liable for rent until the contract ends
Your landlord can't remove names or force tenants to leave either. They can only try and end the tenancy for everyone by following the correct eviction process. You can still move out of the property but you will remain liable for rent as long as the tenancy continues. If you are struggling with rent and have a good relationship with your landlord you could talk to them.

How to end a joint tenancy - Shelter England

How to end a joint tenancy
How to end a joint tenancy
Check if you're a joint tenant
Leaving a joint fixed term tenancy early
At the end of the fixed term contract
If you all leave by the last day of the fixed term
If some tenants want to stay
Replacement tenants
Ending a joint periodic tenancy
Problems with other joint tenants
Relationship breakdown
If you need to talk to someone, we'll do our best to help
Have you had a bad housing experience?
Share your story

When the notice ends, the tenancy and the right to live in the property will end for all tenants. Any tenants who want to stay on at the property need to try and arrange a new tenancy agreement with the landlord. If you have a joint tenancy agreement with more than 4 named tenants, your rights to serve a notice could be different. Get help from a Shelter adviser if you're in this situation. Problems with other joint tenants
Your fixed term contract is binding and can only be ended if all tenants are in agreement. This means you: can’t remove the name of someone who has left from the contract
can’t force someone to leave
can’t be forced to leave by another tenant
are liable for rent until the contract ends
Your landlord can't remove names or force tenants to leave either. They can only try and end the tenancy for everyone by following the correct eviction process. You can still move out of the property but you will remain liable for rent as long as the tenancy continues. If you are struggling with rent and have a good relationship with your landlord you could talk to them.

3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite 3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
Vicious Dogs at Your Rental Property
Tenant Usually Liable for a Dog Bite
Advise Tenants to Purchase Renter's Insurance:
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable
3 Ways Landlords Can Protect Themselves
 Removal of the Animal: Unable to Remove the Animal: Many states would not hold the landlord liable, even if the landlord knew an animal was dangerous if the landlord was unable to legally remove the animal. If you have attempted to remove the animal, but the court did not give you legal authority to do so based on state laws or based on your lease agreement, then you most likely would not be at fault for any future attacks. In this situation, however, you should alert all current and future tenants that there is a dangerous animal on premises and put up ‘beware of dog’ signs. Able to Remove the Animal but Did Not: In a situation where the landlord had knowledge that the animal was dangerous and had the ability to remove the animal, but chose not to, the landlord could be held liable if the dog injures someone. For example: The tenant signed a pet agreement that stated if the dog displayed any vicious behavior, the tenant must get rid of the animal or must move-out with the animal. The dog bit someone.

3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite

3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
Vicious Dogs at Your Rental Property
Tenant Usually Liable for a Dog Bite
Advise Tenants to Purchase Renter's Insurance:
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable
3 Ways Landlords Can Protect Themselves

Removal of the Animal: Unable to Remove the Animal: Many states would not hold the landlord liable, even if the landlord knew an animal was dangerous if the landlord was unable to legally remove the animal. If you have attempted to remove the animal, but the court did not give you legal authority to do so based on state laws or based on your lease agreement, then you most likely would not be at fault for any future attacks. In this situation, however, you should alert all current and future tenants that there is a dangerous animal on premises and put up ‘beware of dog’ signs. Able to Remove the Animal but Did Not: In a situation where the landlord had knowledge that the animal was dangerous and had the ability to remove the animal, but chose not to, the landlord could be held liable if the dog injures someone. For example: The tenant signed a pet agreement that stated if the dog displayed any vicious behavior, the tenant must get rid of the animal or must move-out with the animal. The dog bit someone.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Ohio | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Ohio
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Ohio
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Ohio and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Ohio
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Ohio
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Ohio Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Ohio
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Ohio
 One caveat, however: This duty to mitigate in Ohio does not apply if the lease includes language relieving the landlord of this duty.) So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Ohio | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Ohio
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Ohio
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Ohio and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Ohio
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Ohio
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Ohio Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Ohio
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Ohio

One caveat, however: This duty to mitigate in Ohio does not apply if the lease includes language relieving the landlord of this duty.) So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends.

Breaking A Lease In Chicago - Explained | Domu Apartments How to Get Out of a Lease in Chicago
How to Get Out of a Lease in Chicago
How to Break a Lease on an Apartment in Chicago?
How to Get Out of a Lease for Your Apartment by Agreement?
How Much Does it Cost to Break a Lease?
How to Break a Lease by SubLeasing and Releasing an Apartment?
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 Subleasing is risky and rarely advised. In contrast to subletting, when a tenant releases, the original tenant does not become a landlord and does not become liable for the new tenant’s conduct. Re-letting involves the original tenant presenting the landlord with a new tenant and the landlord signing a Chicago apartment lease with the new tenant; this relieves the original tenant of further obligations under the lease. Tenants in Chicago do not have the legal right to re-let, but many landlords allow it. Re-letting is a desirable way to break a lease and produces a fair outcome for both parties. *This article presumes the property is regulated by the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. The most common class of apartments not covered are units in owner-occupied buildings of six units or less. For a list of all exempt property types, please reference 5-12-020 of the Chicago Municipal Code. * Breaking a lease for conditions affecting the habitability of the apartment and other landlord violations of state and local law is addressed in the Renters Rights section of Domu's resources for Chicago renters.

Subleasing is risky and rarely advised. In contrast to subletting, when a tenant releases, the original tenant does not become a landlord and does not become liable for the new tenant’s conduct. Re-letting involves the original tenant presenting the landlord with a new tenant and the landlord signing a Chicago apartment lease with the new tenant; this relieves the original tenant of further obligations under the lease. Tenants in Chicago do not have the legal right to re-let, but many landlords allow it. Re-letting is a desirable way to break a lease and produces a fair outcome for both parties. *This article presumes the property is regulated by the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. The most common class of apartments not covered are units in owner-occupied buildings of six units or less. For a list of all exempt property types, please reference 5-12-020 of the Chicago Municipal Code. * Breaking a lease for conditions affecting the habitability of the apartment and other landlord violations of state and local law is addressed in the Renters Rights section of Domu's resources for Chicago renters.

Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses
Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses
What are break clauses in Tenancy Agreements?
Here is an example of a break clause (please do NOT use it without seeking legal advice):
Serving notice to break the tenancy
What if the tenant vacates early?
Why the break clause is used
The reason I don’t use break clauses
My preferred alternative to a break clause
Mutually terminating the tenancy early
Need [free] legal advice on enforcing a break clause or ending a tenancy?
Do you use break clauses?
About the Blogger (" The Landlord ")
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 If the tenant wants to enforce the break clause, the minimum notice required should be clearly stipulated in the break clause (1 month notice period is normal). Additionally, there might be certain conditions attached to the clause that need to be met. For example, it may stipulate that the tenant must have paid all of the rent due before they’re allowed to use the break clause. Tenants should serve notice in a written notice, known as a tenancy surrender notice. It’s also worth noting that if the tenant wishes to end the tenancy on or after the fixed end-date, they only need to provide one months’ notice- that is their statutory right. What if the tenant vacates early? This isn’t really a problem, and the reality is, landlords can’t physically prevent tenants from vacating early. However, the important thing to remember is that the tenant will remain liable for the rent until the last day of the termination date (based on the break clause end-date). Why the break clause is used
Break clauses really are about flexibility for both tenant and landlord. They provide landlords/tenants the opportunity to break a tenancy if personal circumstances change.

Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses

Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses
Tenancy Agreement Break Clauses
What are break clauses in Tenancy Agreements?
Here is an example of a break clause (please do NOT use it without seeking legal advice):
Serving notice to break the tenancy
What if the tenant vacates early?
Why the break clause is used
The reason I don’t use break clauses
My preferred alternative to a break clause
Mutually terminating the tenancy early
Need [free] legal advice on enforcing a break clause or ending a tenancy?
Do you use break clauses?
About the Blogger (" The Landlord ")
208 Join the Conversation...
Nobody
Landlord
Tenant
Agent
Legal
Buyer
Developer
Enthusiast

If the tenant wants to enforce the break clause, the minimum notice required should be clearly stipulated in the break clause (1 month notice period is normal). Additionally, there might be certain conditions attached to the clause that need to be met. For example, it may stipulate that the tenant must have paid all of the rent due before they’re allowed to use the break clause. Tenants should serve notice in a written notice, known as a tenancy surrender notice. It’s also worth noting that if the tenant wishes to end the tenancy on or after the fixed end-date, they only need to provide one months’ notice- that is their statutory right. What if the tenant vacates early? This isn’t really a problem, and the reality is, landlords can’t physically prevent tenants from vacating early. However, the important thing to remember is that the tenant will remain liable for the rent until the last day of the termination date (based on the break clause end-date). Why the break clause is used
Break clauses really are about flexibility for both tenant and landlord. They provide landlords/tenants the opportunity to break a tenancy if personal circumstances change.

Rental Agreement vs. Lease for a Rental Property | AllBusiness.com
 Leases for a rental property
A lease has a set term, such as six months or a year, during which the tenant agrees to rent the property. During that time (also known as the duration of the lease) the tenant and the landlord must adhere to the agreement. For example, tenants agree to make monthly rent payments and follow the other obligations in the lease. Neither party can change any terms of the agreement until the lease expires, unless both parties agree to the change. A tenant can’t vacate the property without breaking their lease, in which case they can be held liable for the rest of the rent due under the lease, or can be required to find someone else to take over the lease. Leases are suitable for landlords who want to “lock in” a tenant for a set period of time. If you have a mortgage payment to meet, for instance, knowing you’ll have a tenant for the next year can help you budget your expenses. Most tenants are familiar with long-term leases and will not have a problem committing. More articles from AllBusiness.com: Real Estate Record Keeping for Landlords
Commercial Real Estate Leases—The Basics
Key Questions to Ask in a Residential Rental Application
Ten Tips for Screening Potential Tenants of Your Rental Property
Should I Hire a Property Management Company for My Rental Property?

Rental Agreement vs. Lease for a Rental Property | AllBusiness.com

Leases for a rental property
A lease has a set term, such as six months or a year, during which the tenant agrees to rent the property. During that time (also known as the duration of the lease) the tenant and the landlord must adhere to the agreement. For example, tenants agree to make monthly rent payments and follow the other obligations in the lease. Neither party can change any terms of the agreement until the lease expires, unless both parties agree to the change. A tenant can’t vacate the property without breaking their lease, in which case they can be held liable for the rest of the rent due under the lease, or can be required to find someone else to take over the lease. Leases are suitable for landlords who want to “lock in” a tenant for a set period of time. If you have a mortgage payment to meet, for instance, knowing you’ll have a tenant for the next year can help you budget your expenses. Most tenants are familiar with long-term leases and will not have a problem committing. More articles from AllBusiness.com: Real Estate Record Keeping for Landlords
Commercial Real Estate Leases—The Basics
Key Questions to Ask in a Residential Rental Application
Ten Tips for Screening Potential Tenants of Your Rental Property
Should I Hire a Property Management Company for My Rental Property?

3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite 3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable for a Tenant's Dog Bite
Vicious Dogs at Your Rental Property
Tenant Usually Liable for a Dog Bite
Advise Tenants to Purchase Renter's Insurance:
3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable
3 Ways Landlords Can Protect Themselves
 Tenant Usually Liable for a Dog Bite
In most cases, if a dog causes harm, the owner of the dog is the one who is solely responsible. This is particularly true if this is the first time, to your knowledge, that the animal has displayed vicious behavior. Compare the situation to your responsibility for a tenant’s child. If their child gets into a fight with another child in the building, it is the child’s parents who have to deal with any legal issues, not you. Advise Tenants to Purchase Renter's Insurance: Since the liability for a dog bite often rests on the tenant, you must advise all of your tenants, especially those with animals, to purchase renter's insurance. It is important that they examine the policy to make sure it does not exclude coverage for injuries or damage caused by a dog or that it does not exclude certain dangerous dog breeds from the coverage. They should also make sure to find a policy that offers an adequate amount of personal liability coverage, usually at least $100,000. 3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable
In most cases, a landlord will not be liable if a tenant’s dog attacks someone. However, there are certain situations when a landlord can be held responsible if a tenant’s dog does cause harm.

Tenant Usually Liable for a Dog Bite
In most cases, if a dog causes harm, the owner of the dog is the one who is solely responsible. This is particularly true if this is the first time, to your knowledge, that the animal has displayed vicious behavior. Compare the situation to your responsibility for a tenant’s child. If their child gets into a fight with another child in the building, it is the child’s parents who have to deal with any legal issues, not you. Advise Tenants to Purchase Renter's Insurance: Since the liability for a dog bite often rests on the tenant, you must advise all of your tenants, especially those with animals, to purchase renter's insurance. It is important that they examine the policy to make sure it does not exclude coverage for injuries or damage caused by a dog or that it does not exclude certain dangerous dog breeds from the coverage. They should also make sure to find a policy that offers an adequate amount of personal liability coverage, usually at least $100,000. 3 Times a Landlord Could Be Liable
In most cases, a landlord will not be liable if a tenant’s dog attacks someone. However, there are certain situations when a landlord can be held responsible if a tenant’s dog does cause harm.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Georgia | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Georgia
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Georgia
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Georgia and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Georgia
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Georgia
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Georgia Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Georgia
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Georgia
 Provide your landlord as much notice as possible and write a sincere letter explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally, you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant with good credit and references, to sign a new lease. But keep in mind, that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $15,000 in Georgia. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Georgia | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Georgia
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Georgia
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Georgia and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Georgia
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Georgia
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Georgia Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Georgia
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Georgia

Provide your landlord as much notice as possible and write a sincere letter explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally, you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant with good credit and references, to sign a new lease. But keep in mind, that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $15,000 in Georgia. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Massachusetts | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Massachusetts
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Massachusetts
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Massachusetts and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Massachusetts
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Massachusetts
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Massachusetts Health or Safety Codes
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Massachusetts
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Massachusetts
 Provide your landlord with as much notice as possible and write a sincere letter explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally, you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant with good credit and references to sign a new lease. But keep in mind that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you may be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $7,000 in Massachusetts. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Massachusetts | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Massachusetts
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Massachusetts
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Massachusetts and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Massachusetts
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Massachusetts
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Massachusetts Health or Safety Codes
You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Massachusetts
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Provide your landlord with as much notice as possible and write a sincere letter explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally, you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant with good credit and references to sign a new lease. But keep in mind that if the landlord doesn't agree to let you off the hook, you may be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $7,000 in Massachusetts. How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
If you want to leave early, and you don't have legal justification to do so, there are better options than just moving out and hoping your landlord gets a new tenant quickly. There's a lot you can do to limit the amount of money you need to pay your landlord—and help ensure a good reference from the landlord when you're looking for your next place to live. You can help the situation a lot by providing as much notice as possible and writing a sincere letter to your landlord explaining why you need to leave early. Ideally you can offer your landlord a qualified replacement tenant, someone with good credit and excellent references, to sign a new lease with your landlord.

Suing a Former Tenant for Unpaid Rent | Nolo Suing a Former Tenant for Unpaid Rent
Suing a Former Tenant for Unpaid Rent
What landlords should know before suing a tenant
Unpaid Rent and Month-To-Month Tenants
When the Tenant Has No Defense
Unpaid Rent and Tenants with Leases
Tenant's Defenses to Unpaid Rent
Tenants Suing Cotenants for Unpaid Rent
Rent Control Cases
 This means the tenant is liable for the rent for the entire lease term (except where the landlord breaches an important lease provision first). However, the tenant's responsibility for paying all rent still due under the lease when he or she leaves early is limited in most states by the landlord's duty to "mitigate damages." Stated in plain English, the landlord has a legal duty to try to find a new tenant as soon as reasonably possible to limit the financial loss. What all this adds up to is that a landlord whose tenant breaks a lease with no good reason is entitled to: the remaining rent due under the lease, minus
any portion of that amount that the landlord can reasonably obtain by rerenting the unit, plus
any reasonable advertising expenses incurred in finding a new tenant, plus
charges for necessary repair and cleaning after the tenant moves out. A landlord can deduct the total cost of these items from the tenant's security deposit (see "Security Deposit Cases," above) and sue for the remainder in small claims court. Tenant's Defenses to Unpaid Rent
Lease-breaking tenants may have a defense to a landlord's suit for unpaid rent–rent the landlord would have collected had the tenant stayed in the rental. Landlords file these lawsuits when there's considerable time left on the lease, and their reasonable efforts, if legally required (see the section above), have failed to produce a new tenant (perhaps because the market is soft, or the rental just isn't that attractive). As explained above, landlords usually don't bother filing suit unless they can find the tenant, have some reason to think that they can actually collect if they win, and are confident that the tenant has no legal defense for failing to stay through the end of the lease. The most common defense to breaking a lease is the tenant's claim that the rental was uninhabitable under state law.

Suing a Former Tenant for Unpaid Rent | Nolo

Suing a Former Tenant for Unpaid Rent
Suing a Former Tenant for Unpaid Rent
What landlords should know before suing a tenant
Unpaid Rent and Month-To-Month Tenants
When the Tenant Has No Defense
Unpaid Rent and Tenants with Leases
Tenant's Defenses to Unpaid Rent
Tenants Suing Cotenants for Unpaid Rent
Rent Control Cases

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Texas and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Texas
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Texas
1. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
2. You Are a Victim (or the Parent of a Victim) of Sexual Assault or Stalking
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Texas Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Texas
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Texas
 So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $10,000 in Texas.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Texas
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Texas and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Texas
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Texas
1. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
2. You Are a Victim (or the Parent of a Victim) of Sexual Assault or Stalking
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Texas Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Texas
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Texas

So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $10,000 in Texas.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Wisconsin and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Wisconsin
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Wisconsin
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Wisconsin Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Wisconsin
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Wisconsin
 So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $10,000 in Wisconsin.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Wisconsin
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Wisconsin and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Wisconsin
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Wisconsin
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Wisconsin Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Wisconsin
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Wisconsin

So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $10,000 in Wisconsin.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Connecticut | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Connecticut
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Connecticut
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Connecticut and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Connecticut
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Connecticut
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You or a Dependent Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Connecticut Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Connecticut
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Connecticut
 This is because Connecticut requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Connecticut | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Connecticut
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Connecticut
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Connecticut and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Connecticut
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Connecticut
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You or a Dependent Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Connecticut Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Connecticut
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Connecticut

This is because Connecticut requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Illinois | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Illinois
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Illinois
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Illinois and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Illinois
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Illinois
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You or Your Child Are a Victim of Domestic or Sexual Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Illinois Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Illinois
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Illinois
 You need pay only the amount of rent the landlord loses because you moved out early. This is because Illinois requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Illinois | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Illinois
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Illinois
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Illinois and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Illinois
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Illinois
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You or Your Child Are a Victim of Domestic or Sexual Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Illinois Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Illinois
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Illinois

You need pay only the amount of rent the landlord loses because you moved out early. This is because Illinois requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Kentucky and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Kentucky
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Kentucky
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Kentucky Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Kentucky
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Kentucky
 So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $2,500 in Kentucky.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Kentucky
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Kentucky and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Kentucky
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Kentucky
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Kentucky Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Kentucky
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Kentucky

So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $2,500 in Kentucky.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Louisiana | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Louisiana
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Louisiana
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Louisiana and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Louisiana
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Louisiana
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Louisiana Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Louisiana
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Louisiana
 This is because Louisiana requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, when you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. When your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Louisiana | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Louisiana
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Louisiana
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Louisiana and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Louisiana
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Louisiana
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Louisiana Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Louisiana
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Louisiana

This is because Louisiana requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, when you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. When your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in New Jersey and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in New Jersey
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in New Jersey
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Have Suffered a Disabling Illness or Accident or Need to Move Into a Housing Facility for Seniors
You or Your Child Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates New Jersey Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in New Jersey
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in New Jersey
 So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $3,000 in New Jersey.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in New Jersey
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in New Jersey and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in New Jersey
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in New Jersey
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
You Have Suffered a Disabling Illness or Accident or Need to Move Into a Housing Facility for Seniors
You or Your Child Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates New Jersey Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in New Jersey
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in New Jersey

So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $3,000 in New Jersey.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in North Carolina and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in North Carolina
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in North Carolina
1. You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates North Carolina Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in North Carolina
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in North Carolina
 So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in North Carolina.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in North Carolina
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in North Carolina and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in North Carolina
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in North Carolina
1. You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
2. You Are Starting Active Military Duty
3. The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates North Carolina Health or Safety Codes
4. Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in North Carolina
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in North Carolina

So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe. But if your deposit is not sufficient, your landlord may sue you, probably in small claims court where the limit is $5,000 in North Carolina.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Oregon | Nolo Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Oregon
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Oregon
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Oregon and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Oregon
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Oregon
You (or Your Child) Are a Victim of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Oregon Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Oregon
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Oregon
 This is because Oregon requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe.

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Oregon | Nolo

Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Oregon
Tenant's Right to Break a Rental Lease in Oregon
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in Oregon and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Signing a Lease in Oregon
When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in Oregon
You (or Your Child) Are a Victim of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
You Are Starting Active Military Duty
The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates Oregon Health or Safety Codes
Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights
Landlord's Duty to Find a New Tenant in Oregon
How to Minimize Your Financial Responsibility When Breaking a Lease
More Information on Tenant Rights to Break a Lease
More Information on Landlord-Tenant Law in Oregon

This is because Oregon requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. So, if you break your lease and move out without legal justification, your landlord usually can't just sit back and wait until the end of the lease, and then sue you for the total amount of lost rent. Your landlord must try to rerent the property reasonably quickly and subtract the rent received from new tenants from the amount you owe. The landlord does not need to relax standards for acceptable tenants—for example, to accept someone with a poor credit history. Also, the landlord is not required to rent the unit for less than fair market value, or to immediately turn his or her attention to renting your unit disregarding other business. Also, the landlord can add legitimate expenses to your bill—for example, the costs of advertising the property. If your landlord rerents the property quickly (more likely in college towns and similar markets), all you'll be responsible for is the (hopefully brief) amount of time the unit was vacant. The bad news is that if the landlord tries to rerent your unit, and can't find an acceptable tenant, you will be liable for paying rent for the remainder of your lease term. This could be a substantial amount of money if you leave several months before your lease ends. Your landlord will probably first use your security deposit to cover the amount you owe.