I live in North Carolina and would like to know if there is a "legal" way to break a lease?

Question

I moved into this apartment in May '08 but I am having a hard time finding full-time employment. I want to move to a larger city where there is more opportunity for employment. I cannot afford to pay rent for two apartments and my resident agent said they will not let me sub-lease my apartment. So I am trying to figure out a way to get out of my lease without it hurting my chances for obtaining another apartment. Please help!

Answer 1

you can't break a lease just because you want to move - I know it doesn't sound fair, but that is not legal grounds.

All though - most landlords are sympathetic in those kinds of circumstances - and they would rather have you leave since you can't pay the rent so they can get someone in there that can.

All you can do is talk to them and see if they will be reasonable - just keep in mind that it is their legal right to keep your deposit and possibly require a lease buyout or other fees.

Answer 2

Tell the landlord you have no choice and you must move immediately.  Be honest.

If you think they will give you a bad reference, just don't use them.  If the new landlord has you fill out papers and asks where you lived previously, just say you lived with relatives.

Answer 3

Some good info here specific to North Carolina - look at the section "Early Termination"

http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/legal_s...

If you want to do more research, start here:

http://www.hud.gov/local/nc/renting/tena...