Hello,

I'm a student at RIT and signed a 1 year lease for an apt. (start of lease Sept.) after 5 months (early Feb) I informed the landlord that I had to move out giving 30 days notice. I moved to be closer to my parents as my father had a stroke, also am on intership in Buffalo NY. I moved out middle of march (around the 15th) and turned the keys to the apt in to the building supervisor ( I no longer have any access to the apt) I even left the apt cleaner than when I moved in. The lease states that if the lease is terminated that I am resposible for rent for the remainder of the lease. However the landlord says if someone is looking for an apt and he can rent mine, or if I can find some one to sublet or sign a new lease that I won't be resposible for the remainder of the lease.

Since I moved I have been informed that he has rented other apt's in the building and that mine is still vacant. I have been paying for 2 apt's one in Rochester and one in Buffalo for a total of $950 a month ($425 for the one in Rochester, Utilities included) After I pay rent, car payment, car insurance, credit cards and utilities I have been using an extra $50 from my savings or using my credit cards to pay the remainder of my bills. I am working two jobs at 75 hours a week to make ends meet and am still not getting ahead.

Anyway my question is since he has rented other apt's in the building before mine, is this a viable reason that it terminates the lease. I can't keep working these hours and still try to take care of my father. Any way to get out of this would be appreciated.

Thanks Andy

He is renting those other apartments because they are vacant and have no tenant/lease. No money coming in from those. Your apartment has a tenant, you, and you will be last in line as he rents out places. You are legally responsible for the monthly payments until a new tenant rents your place plus any advertising costs. Sorry but the landlord is legal and doing a best business practice.

Thanks for responding,
If I have to continue paying the rent for the remaining few months, can I ask for a reduction since utilities are included in the rent and they are all shut off right now?

Thanks Andy

Hi, unfortunately they don't have to lower the rent, you signed a contract to pay the full monthly rent for 12 months and they don't have to lower the amount.

There is no harm in asking though.