Ending a Lease

If you are planning to move out of a rented house before the end date listed on the lease, you will be breaking the lease. Breaking the lease can be complicated, and your ability to break the lease with the real estate agency or landlord will depend on the time remaining on the lease, the number of tenants, and whether the landlord is happy to terminate the lease early. Usually ending a lease early involves some extra costs for the tenant.

If you are renting with friends and you wish to leave before the lease ends, you may be responsible for finding a replacement tenant. You should seek permission from your landlord before doing this. Your name will usually remain on the lease until its end date. (For more information, see information on subletting).

If the landlord is in breach of conditions of the lease, then you as a tenant may be able to terminate the lease early by following the procedure outlined in the lease. If you are considering this, you should seek legal advice first.

If you have queries on terminating a lease early, or you think your landlord may be in breach of conditions of your lease, you can seek advice from the Tenants Union.