Texas reletting apartment fee

Question

We are trying to break lease. The apartment said we have to pay the reletting fee up front along with the 60 day notice. It never states this anywhere in the contract. It does say we have to pay a reletting fee but it does not say when. From what I have read on-line, the reletting fee that is paid to the apartment to cover leasing to a new tenant. I figure I would not be obligated to pay this until they find a new tenant. Am I right? Again, it never states when I had to pay. It just states that I had to pay which I will when they find someone to lease my apartment.

Answer 1

Sharon B, I moved from Texas to Pennsylvania last year, so I'm not sure who I could call to help you. Here is a list of apartments in Texas that you can contact. http://www.findanapartmentonline.com/Tex... I'm sure someone can help you.



Enjoy Texas!

Answer 2

No, you are misreading this, in my opinion.  The reletting fee is to cover the added cost of finding a new tenant because you are moving out early causing them an inconvenience.   Instead of them having a planned sequence of replacement several months ahead, they need a new tenant now and you are being asked to pay.    If they never find a tenant, then the effort they made still costs money.   It is not like you are giving them a prize for finding a tenant.   Obviously, like most fees and rules in landlord/tenant arrangements, this can be abused.

Answer 3

You have to pay it in advance. Reletting fees suck! I had to pay so much but I had no choice. Try to find someone to take over your lease instead. They cant make you pay it if you do that. I tried but couldnt find anyone. Hope you have better luck than me.

Answer 4

The reletting fee is to recoup losses in having to redo and rerent your apartment.  It is due when you move out.  Trust me the apartment folks will not send you a bill after you move out.  Who would pay?  It will be deducted from your deposit and if you owe more than that, the Texas Apartment Association will come after you for a fee to collect anything you owe over your deposit.  Most everyone understands this and the reletting fee is usually a percentage of your rent.  When you break a lease. . .which is legally binding. . .you don't decide now when you will pay and when you won't.  And just to help you understand, the loss that occurs to the apartment happens when you move out and they have to pay people to clean up your mess, pay for advertising and people to show the apartment, plus there is also the loss of income.  Once the apartment is rented, there is income again.  You owe the reletting fee to cover expenses before they occur, not after.  What are you thinking?  I don't understand why people are so unhappy when they have to live up to the letter of the lease.  The lease not only covers you but the owner.  When you break the lease, you cost them $ and you are liable for it.  Just pay what you owe or do what you said you would do and stay for the full term of the lease.  Stop grumbling.