I'm in a lease and want to buy, can I break the lease without losing my deposit?

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February 28 2011 - Greensboro
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Answers (5)

Negotiate with your landlord. You could easily lose more than just your deposit, if you simply broke the lease. Try to help your landlord find a new acceptable tenant in the place, etc. 
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February 28 2011
Profile picture for sunnyview
Most leases cannot be terminated when you buy a house. Some landlords will allow you to "buy out" of the lease if you give them enough notice, agree to let the property be shown and pay 1-3 months rent to break the lease.

Your best bet is contacting your landlord and explaining the situation to see if you can work out something that lets you out of the lease early, but does not cost them lost rent for the broken lease.
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February 28 2011
I agree with Helen,  In most cases you will lose your deposit but communication with your landlord is key.  If you give them enough notice and you have been a good tenant they may be able to work something out for you. 
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February 28 2011
Profile picture for MikeEmery
No. Plus you would be liable for the remainder of the lease unless you negotiated a different settlement with your landlord.
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February 28 2011
That would depend on your lease agreement/contract.  In most cases, yes, you would lose your deposit if you break the lease, period.  But, if your landlord is amenable, sometimes you can work out something- perhaps if you give a long notice, and it gives him/her a chance to lease it out again, then it might be that you could go in that direction.  If you are mid-way through, then timing could be an issue for the landlord.  So, check your lease, talk to an attorney even and get your correct information.  It all really rest with whether or not your landlord is up for any type of communication on how to end it without loss.  Good luck! 
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February 28 2011
 

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