My boyfriend and I signed a year lease Feb of 2010 in Albany, NY. I was and still am on unemployment and our complex is fully aware of this. It's stated on the application. At the time my boyfriend was making enough, so they let us in. A month after we signed he was laid off from his job and fortunately found a new one... in NYC but doesn't pay enough. As of now he is staying at his parents during the week downstate and comes up on the weekends. I think I already know this answer, but are we legally able to break the lease? Paying for this place is now nearly impossible with his commute, but he had to take the job or be jobless. Thanks for the help!

I think I already know this answer, but are we legally able to break the lease?Hello k:

You're right. You can't break the lease. You CAN offer to pay them a month or two rent as a buyout of your lease. That way you won't be held responsible for the balance of your lease. Your landlord SHOULD take it, because he's not going to get much from you if he sues you.

excon

Thank you very much excon. That's what I thought. I will definitely try to negotiate. I appreciate your quick response!