[RIT STUDENT]

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

[ballengerb1]

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.

[RIT STUDENT]

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

[Lowtax4eva]

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.