Breaking a Lease

So i am in the midst of purchasing my own property. I gave my landlord 2 months formal notice that i will be vacating the apartment. Not to mention I actually gave 3 months informal heads up. My landlord lives oveseas (co-op apt) — He took over 10 days to get back to me and He is stating per terms of my lease i have to be there for 90 days and pay for a brokers fee or  i am responsible until the lease ends in October. However – i stated that i would find him a qualified tenant and vacate the premises in two months. I am even happy to pay a brokers fee if he feels more comfortable that way. Now – with all this being said I am a perfect tenant – i have to be with him overseas – i take care of any issues on my own and i have only done things that will help increase the value of the apartment – have it professional pained a normal white color rather than the color he left it, take care of plumbing issues etc. I dont know but i doubt they will pay a lawyer a retainer for more than my rent is worth!? Does anyone else think he is being ridiculous!?

anonymous

in Landlord 13 years and 1 month ago

10

Please log in, in order to post replies!

10 replies

Newest Oldest

ejalbk | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5062 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4889 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "32884"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "ejalbk"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bg/XU2MACGInwaK.txGLMic1qnLU.h."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "ejalbk"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "neverafee@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/ejalbk/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "ejalbk"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(32884)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You would think if it were the case his landlord would have simply stated that co-op rules make it extremely difficult to get an approval so quickly so I’m doubting that’s the reason here. In fact, perhaps the sublet was done without the coop’s approval in the first place. An unresponsive haughty landlord may feel the rules don’t apply to him. Wouldn’t be the first time!

mlfg | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5061 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4899 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179107"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(4) "mlfg"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BTdatYA33jXRa/EUhaSqiyaBarYrcT1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "mlfg"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "mlfgrant@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(46) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/mlfg/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:39:01"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(4) "mlfg"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179107)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Also, depending on how far along you are in the purchase process, you may just end up in your apartment for another 90 days.  NYC closings can take 2 to 4 months.

mlfg | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4896 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5064 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179107"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(4) "mlfg"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BTdatYA33jXRa/EUhaSqiyaBarYrcT1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "mlfg"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "mlfgrant@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(46) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/mlfg/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:39:01"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(4) "mlfg"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179107)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Talk to an attorney before you do anything.  Do take a copy of your lease agreement.  Civil court on Smith Street and Livingston has a free legal clinic  on I believe Thursday evenings.  Elbow and thatwasmyidea have true valid points.  Coops are different and sometimes subletting is complicated.  All the best to you in your new place.

thatwasmyidea | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5062 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5063 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "21227"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "thatwasmyidea"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "thatwasmyidea"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "thatwasmyidea@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/thatwasmyidea/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-12-02 18:26:33"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "thatwasmyidea"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(21227)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

the fact that it is a co-op complicates this. his co-op may have strict subletting rules and he may not be allowed to have another person come in without the board vetting and interviewing them. i am on my co-op board and i wouldn’t agree to a new subletter without meeting them. i don’t think a lawyer would be much help in terms of you breaking your contract. you probably should have told your landlord that you were looking for property to buy before you signed the lease. my gut tells me you withheld some key info that would have made him less likely to rent to you. he did though and now you want him to bend over to help you.

elbow | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5064 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5061 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177161"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "elbow"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BKnX8zyZxQQrEZb8oVvlJQppBrN3dO0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "elbow"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "leeb155@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(20) "/forums/users/elbow/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:26:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "elbow"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177161)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It is a co-op apartment, not open market. Maybe there are issues with the landlord being able to get approveal to sublet to a different party.

brokelin | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4896 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5065 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "90954"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BukARi5fCxcdKRwwLKRkiawWixLEUK/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "annindc@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/brokelin/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:32:08"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(90954)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

yes, if you landlord is overseas, just sublet it and tell him you are staying to use the apartment until the end of the lease.  It is what he deserves for being a jerk. in my experience, spending your own money to improve and repair a rental property as you have done just seems to invite further abuse, for some reason.

dylan621 | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5062 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5066 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176815"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "dylan621"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BBo.elPkwFHFomWgP85ERIuOMh2m/Y/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "dylan621"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "Jlproujansky@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/dylan621/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:50"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "dylan621"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176815)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You’ll need to look it up to confirm but I don’t believe he can “unreasonably” refuse to rent to a qualified tenant that you find and if he does then you’re not responsible for the unpaid rent. Alternatively, unless the lease expressly prohibits subletting, you can sublet the apt and if you can get a higher rent than you’re paying – all the better.

anonymous | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5064 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5067 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3470"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "anonymous"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "anonymous"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "deviatar@alm.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-09-27 13:11:05"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "loser spammer"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3470)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Yes, i can absolutely get someone to pay what i pay or even $50 higher per month. I live in a VERY hot neigborhood and the apartment is pretty amazing. I guess the issue is that he is no agreeing to let me find him a new tenant which i think is pretty ridiculous?

ProspectWitch | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4896 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5068 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "156618"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "ProspectWitch"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "prospectwitch"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "ewalkerfortin@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/prospectwitch/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:56"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "ProspectWitch"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(156618)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

A lease is a lease…you are breaking a contract, so you should be prepared to pay a reasonable penalty. The broker’s fee thing though…why would you pay that? Any rental broken will collect that from the new renters. Also, not sure why you are worrying about lawyers…this would prob go to small claims court. Seems like what you should be responsible for is any gap in collected rental fees…i.e. if the apartment is vacant. You should be responsible for any hardship caused through your early termination…even if its just on moral grounds.

ejalbk | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5067 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5062 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "32884"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "ejalbk"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bg/XU2MACGInwaK.txGLMic1qnLU.h."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "ejalbk"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "neverafee@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/ejalbk/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "ejalbk"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(32884)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Personally I think the fact that you had it “professionally” painted white is irrelevant to the issue at hand as is the plumbing issue. However, I would hope that if you present the landlord with a well-qualified and vetted tenant willing and able to take over the remainder of your lease at your rent (or better) that your landlord would be satisfied. He might be justified in asking for a modest paperwork fee to draw up the new lease, but other than that he should be happy.