Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Breaking Your Lease, the Right Way, and the Wrong Way

Life happens. Job changes, family needs, financial shifts, or unexpected circumstances can make it necessary to leave your rental home before your lease ends.

Audience: current residents who may need to move out before their lease ends and want to understand the correct and incorrect ways to handle early termination.

The good news: there is a right way to break a lease, and doing it correctly protects your finances, rental history, and legal standing.

However, breaking a lease the wrong way can lead to serious consequences, including extra fees, collections, and long-term credit or rental complications.

This guide covers the right way, the wrong way, and everything in between.

FAQs ❓

Can I break my lease early?
Yes. but you must follow the early termination rules outlined in your lease.

Will I owe rent after I move out?
Most likely yes, until:

  • The lease-break option is used (if your lease offers one), or

  • A new resident moves in, or

  • Your original lease term ends.

Is there a fee for breaking my lease?
Typically yes. Many leases include a predefined early-termination fee.

Can my security deposit pay for early termination fees?
No. Deposits cannot be used for unpaid rent or lease-breaking fees during the tenancy.

Can I find someone to take over my lease?
Only if your lease allows assignments or subletting, which many leases prohibit without approval.

The Right Way to Break Your Lease ✔️

Breaking your lease properly protects you from additional financial and legal consequences. Here’s the correct approach:

1. Read your lease’s early termination clause

Most modern leases include a section that outlines exactly how to break your lease legally. This clause may include:

  • A set lease-break fee

  • Required written notice

  • A requirement to pay rent through a specific date

  • A list of steps to surrender possession properly

This is your roadmap. Following it exactly ensures a clean exit.

2. Provide written notice immediately 📝

Even if you’re unsure of your final move-out date, notify management in writing as early as possible. Your notice should include:

  • Your intent to terminate early

  • Your anticipated move-out date

  • Any necessary documentation (if applicable)

Written notice starts the timeline and protects you.

3. Continue paying rent until the legal end of your obligation

Depending on your lease:

  • You may owe rent until your end date, or

  • Until a new resident moves in, whichever comes first, or

  • Until your lease-break fee is paid and processed

Rent obligations don’t stop automatically just because you moved out.

4. Move out properly and return keys 🔑

Your lease remains active until you have:

  • Vacated

  • Returned all keys, fobs, and remotes

  • Completed a formal surrender of possession

Returning keys is a legal requirement — without it, you’re still considered in possession.

5. Prepare the home for inspection 🧹

Follow the Move Out Checklist to avoid unnecessary charges.
Here’s the guide:
https://know.movezen360.com/nc-move-out-checklist

A well-prepared home reduces deductions from your security deposit.

The Wrong Way to Break Your Lease ❌

These actions cause the most problems and can lead to major financial, legal, and credit consequences.

🚫 Breaking your lease without written notice

Telling someone verbally — even a field tech or maintenance worker — does not count.
Only written notice matters.

🚫 Simply stopping rent payments

This leads to:

  • Lease violations

  • Eviction filings

  • Damage to rental history

  • Collections and credit impact

Never stop paying without arranging proper termination.

🚫 Moving out without returning keys

This keeps your lease active, even if you’re no longer living in the home.
You remain responsible for rent until keys are surrendered.

🚫 Placing someone else in the home without approval

Unauthorized occupants or subtenants violate the lease and can result in:

  • Immediate lease termination

  • Liability for damage

  • Legal consequences

🚫 Breaking the lease without following the required steps

Ignoring the lease’s instructions always results in:

  • Higher costs

  • Delays

  • Potential legal action

If your lease provides a clear process, follow it exactly.

What Happens After You Break Your Lease Properly?

If you follow the official steps:

  • Your move-out is documented

  • Your security deposit is processed within required timelines

  • Charges are limited to what your lease allows

  • Your rental history remains positive

  • You avoid unnecessary fees or collections

It’s the cleanest and safest path.

🔗 Related Articles

These articles help you understand move-out, notices, and financial obligations: