[cupcake21]

I signed a lease to begin July 17 back in May. I recently was transferred out of state and sent the apartment manager a notice that I won't be able to move in. They told me that I owe rent through next January which is over $14,000. They also told me I owe a reletting fee that is 85% of the first month's rent. Is there a law that allows me to get out of this or a way to tke them to court. It seems that since I haven't even moved there that I shouldn't be obligated to $14,000. Can anyone help?

[LisaB4657]

First you have to carefully read what you signed. It's possible that your lease contains a statement that you would be responsible for 6 months worth of rent if you terminated the lease, plus a reletting fee. You have to read the lease to see what it says about early termination.

Second, you have to let us know the state where the apartment is located. If the lease doesn't address early termination then most state laws require that the landlord make a good faith effort to re-rent the premises when a tenant breaks a lease. However some states do not require the landlord to try to re-rent, notably Florida. So let us know.

[ScottGem]

I find it odd that there would be BOTH a 6 months early term fee and the reletting fee. But, as Lisa said, if its in the lease you agreed to it.

At the very least you will be responsible for the rent until a new tenant is found and, most likely the relet fee.