Hello:
I live in NY and broke my lease on my apartment 4 months early. I gave over 30 days notice and moved to take another job over 100 miles away. My landlord is now going to refer me to collections for the remainder of the lease. Can they do this, or do they have to take me to court to collect? Help!
Thank you!
Caitlin

What does your lease say? If your lease stated all you had to do was give thirty days notice then your landlord has no right to collect the remainder of the year. If you did not follow the terms of ending your lease as stated in the lease then yes, your landlord can take you to court.

Hello cmp:

They can try to collect ANY way they want to, including knocking on your door.

excon

Can they do what? Refer the debt to a collections agency? Of course they can, why wouldn't they be able to? You signed a contract and reneged on that contract. Doesn't matter how much notice you gave.

If you refuse to pay the amount that you rightfully owe, then they can sue you. They WILL win, by the way. The only question is how much. Besides the 4 months rent, they now have collections fees to add to it.

I would try to negotiate a settlement immediately.