My fiancé and I signed a lease together, but we broke up recently. Now I’m wondering if there’s any way to get out of the lease. I’ve still got 9 months left, and my landlord isn’t responding. Anyone got tips?
Ugh, sorry to hear that! I know that in some cases, you might be able to find a subtenant or transfer the lease if the landlord agrees.
Jesse said:
Ugh, sorry to hear that! I know that in some cases, you might be able to find a subtenant or transfer the lease if the landlord agrees.
Thanks! I might try that if he ever gets back to me… 
Jesse said:
Ugh, sorry to hear that! I know that in some cases, you might be able to find a subtenant or transfer the lease if the landlord agrees.
Yeah, landlords sometimes don’t make it easy. I’ve heard offering extra rent as a settlement can help too.
Does MA law say anything about the landlord having to find a new tenant if you break the lease?
LexieLawson said:
Does MA law say anything about the landlord having to find a new tenant if you break the lease?
Good question! I read that they have to try and re-rent it if I break the lease, but I guess it’s up to them how hard they try…
LexieLawson said:
Does MA law say anything about the landlord having to find a new tenant if you break the lease?
Right, they have a ‘duty to mitigate’—they need to make an effort to re-rent it so they don’t just sit on your rent.
What about just leaving and paying a fee or something? Maybe they’d settle for a few months’ rent?
Ashton said:
What about just leaving and paying a fee or something? Maybe they’d settle for a few months’ rent?
That might work! I’d be okay with paying a bit if it gets me out. Just no word from the landlord yet.
Ashton said:
What about just leaving and paying a fee or something? Maybe they’d settle for a few months’ rent?
Offer a higher settlement, like 1.5x rent. Some landlords go for that. Worth a shot!
Sometimes you just need to keep reaching out. Landlords can be hard to get in touch with, but persistence might pay off.
Lior said:
Sometimes you just need to keep reaching out. Landlords can be hard to get in touch with, but persistence might pay off.
Haha, yeah, guess I’ll just keep trying. Thanks for the advice!
Lior said:
Sometimes you just need to keep reaching out. Landlords can be hard to get in touch with, but persistence might pay off.
No prob! And good luck with that. Hope he finally answers!
Are there any legal aid groups in your area? They might be able to give you some specific advice.
Abi said:
Are there any legal aid groups in your area? They might be able to give you some specific advice.
Didn’t think of that! I’ll look into it. Could use some local help on this.
Abi said:
Are there any legal aid groups in your area? They might be able to give you some specific advice.
Yeah, sometimes they know stuff that isn’t obvious online. Worth checking out!