Someone told me that if you purchase a house in the state of maryland that legally, the landlord has to let you out of your lease. Now of course this seems too good to be true. I have the opportunity to purchase my mothers house in a few months and am trying to do my homework well before hand.

I did however talk to one of the leasing agents, she said that if I want to terminate my lease early, allI have to do is give them 30 days notice, and within that 30 days they will schedule a settlement conference. From what I understand, the penalty for terminating the lease is usually the amount of two months rent. If I can get away without paying them $1800 I would love to do so.That is more money for the down payment, move, etc. I had no idea the reality of buying a home was so close and just renewed the lease. Anyone ever hear of this law or know if it is for real? I kind of think this property management company is out to get tenants for everything they are worth. Any input would be welcomed.

Thanks Jayne

excon

Hello Jayne:

Your first instincts are true. Why should a landlord suffer because of that reason? You are liable for the entire lease. However, in most states, landlords are required to mitigate your damages. In other words, he has to try to rent it, and can't just sit around collecting rent from you.

But, if he can't rent it, and has tried, you'll pay it all.

excon

Fr_Chuck

Yes if he will settle for 2 months, consider yourself lucky and move on. I have "heard" of such, but never found any of the stories true, Most come from real estate people often who want you tomake offers on homes if you are in a lease or from where a landlord was just nice and let you out.
* there are alot of nice landlords out there.

So normally what you are is locked into the terms of the lease, if there is such a clause it will be written into your lease, so get it out and read it.
Most I would say that a settlement seems very fair compared to what many of the not so nice landlords do. ( you will read about them on the posts of others here)

froggy7

You know, this question gets asked so often, it might be good to add it to the stickies at the top.