 TITLE: Does Breaking a Lease Affect Your Credit? CONTENT: How Breaking a Lease Can Hurt Your Credit\n-----------------------------------------\nIf you pay all outstanding charges before moving, including any back rent and fees, breaking a lease won't hurt your credit score. However, breaking a lease can damage your credit if it results in unpaid debt. For example, if you break a six-month lease in the third month and the landlord can't find a suitable replacement, you might have to pay the remaining three months' rent. If you don't pay, the landlord may send your account to a collection agency, which will attempt to get payment.\nLandlords generally don't report unpaid rent to credit bureaus. However, once your account goes to collections, the collection agency will likely report it. Collection accounts stay on your credit report for seven years and can significantly hurt your credit score.\nEven if you think you've done everything right, your account could still end up in collections if you or the landlord aren't clear about the lease terms. Before moving out, read your lease agreement to make sure you understand the terms. Settle all your debts with the landlord, and keep records of your payments to prove that you're squared away. END