[lfranke]

My boyfriend has four monthes left on a lease. I am closing on a house Thrusday and asked him to move in with me. His rent is less that half my mortgage so I told him that if he were to move in with me that at worst case I would send his land lord a check every month. We figured at least we weren't paying double utility bills. We talked with her about it and she said we could give thirty days notice, pay two monthes rent and forfit the deposit. Considering after thirty days he only has three monthes left (deposit was one month's rent) that would be paying her off, and letting her re rent it saving us not even a dime!

Also we had found someone who wanted to move in and thought the landlord would work with us. Well not only is she not hip to letting us break our lease early and letting the new person sign she told him it was illegal to move out as on the lease it states "vacating the premises for more than five days is considered abandonment". My first question is this even legal? It sounds very ridiculous, if we're paying rent does she have the right to tell him he has to be there? And if so, can we simply leave a blanket in the apartment, and show up every five days, open the door walk in then walk out? We need advice!!

Thanks!
Lisa

[Fr_Chuck]

Ot ridculous at all, most likely her property insurance on the house requires it be lived in for or either the rate increases and/or drops in coverage.

Next a deposit is not for a months rent, it is for security ( unless you paid first and last months rent when you moved in) deposit is just that for damages to the house, but can be used for unpaid and late rentals if needed.

You will need to keep utilitie on in the home, and keep the majority of the funiture there, and at least give the appearance that you are living there.

But if you do break the lease, all they can do is charge you for the rest of the rental until such time as they rent it out.

So if you are willing to pay the next 3 months rent, I don't see what you have to lose.

[s_cianci]

I think you've answered your own question. Continue paying the rent for the time remaining on the lease like you originally planned. As long as the owner is receiving her money, I don't see where she'd have a problem with you not being there. After all, you're not using any utilities and not subjecting the property to any wear and tear. And if the landlord lives nearby, you're not disturbing her. Sounds like an ideal situation for the landlord.