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View Full Version : Breaking a lease due to death of a souse


dan miller
Aug 9, 2008, 11:06 AM
My friend in missouri's husband died in may. She has no job and wants to return to ky. Her rent was always paid on time (2 OR 3 yrs). Her landlord wants 3 months compensation ($2400). He still has her deposit. What can she do... just forfeit the deposit, move out and don't leave a forwarding address?

JudyKayTee
Aug 9, 2008, 12:16 PM
my friend in missouri's husband died in may. she has no job and wants to return to ky. her rent was always paid on time (2 OR 3 yrs). Her landlord wants 3 months compensation ($2400). he still has her deposit. what can she do...just forfeit the deposit, move out and don't leave a forwarding address?



Who signed the lease? If the husband alone signed, the lease died with him.

If they both signed, she has to either buy out the lease or stay there. She has no grounds to break the least.

If it's month to month she can give notice and just go.

If she leaves and doesn't leave a forwarding address he will probably find her and probably sue her and she will undoubtedly lose her rent, possibly her deposit and definitely whatever expenses he has.

I always advise not lying (which sneaking out is), explaining the situation and seeing what can be worked out. Not a very good idea to get the landlord angry when it appears he/she is in control of the situation.