questions & answers

Question: We rented from a complex in Phoenix with a 13 month lease. We gave a 30 day notice and broke our lease after 6 months for my wife to take a job in PA. The lease states that we are responsible for the entire amount due UNTIL the apt is rented. That amounts to $11,000! It is now in collections, so I called to see if the apt. has been rented yet. I was not told if it has been, but the mgr. said it does not matter because we are still responsible for ALL of the rent, since we did not pay it all when we moved out. . Can they charge us for rent on an apt that is being rented? If so--RIDICULOUS

Answer: When you sign a lease, you agree to rent the home for the full lease period. If you choose to move out before the lease is over; you must still pay the rent until the lease ends or a new renter signs an agreement to rent the property. If you move out before your lease ends, your landlord may charge you for the remainder of the lease until he re-rents the home. Your lease may also state that your landlord can charge you a set amount for breaking the lease. Your landlord may additionally charge you a fee for breaking your lease or charge you rent for the months left on the lease. You may want to review your lease again for any provisions regarding moving out early and breaking your lease. For more information you may want to call the Landlord/Tenant Counseling hotline at 602-262-7210.