Hi. I need to break my lease because of some personal complications that came up. My official move in date is December 1st--so, I have not moved in yet. I just told my agent and she said to give her a day or two to get back to me.

I was wondering if anyone knew the laws in NJ about breaking leases even prior to moving in. Will I lose money (which at this point is fine, just get me out of the lease), or will they deny me to end my lease (can they legally do that?).

Thank you,
Hopeless Gwyneth

Landlords generally have a duty to mitigate damages by re-renting the property as quickly as possible, but you may have to pay in order to get out of the lease. If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest that you review the terms of your lease as they relate to terminating it.

Thank you. At this point, they can keep December's rent and the security deposit--just let me terminate the lease. I told the agent that and she said "no no, I'll see about your money." I have high hopes...please pray for me. :confused:

You could be held responsible for all rents until place is rented long as Landlord makes reasonable effort to rent property. You might talk to Landlord about a sum ( several months rent) in exchange to break lease. If you do get this agreement in writing

Even though I didn't move in yet and do not have posession of keys, I'm stil held liable for future months' rent? I broke the lease before I even move in.

Life stinks.

You signed the lease and agreed to rent per terms of lease you signed. So yes.

Okay. I hear all different answers--including ones from landlords that say otherwise. I jut want to know what my rights are.

You are bound by the terms of the contract you signed. If you want to break that contract its going to cost you. talk to landlord see what kind of deal he/she is willing to accept in exchange for breaking the lease

Well I'm going to leave it up to my realtor to do the talking for me since she is my liasion. I haven't even met the landlord yet.