Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia
Lease
I am in my current lease which runs from June 1, 2008 at noon until May 31, 2009at noon. I signed a new lease early which goes into effect on June 1, 2009 @ noon. I asked my landlord if I could put in notice and she told me I was in a new lease and would have the penalties of breaking the lease early. Aren't I legally bound to my current lease and all the terms laid out within that lease? Is she able to hold me to the new lease that hasn't gone into effect?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Lease
No one here has either lease to know what the terms are as far as early termination, but you are incorrect in thinking the new lease is not valid and effective merely because the term (presumably) has not started. Most contracts are valid (or "gone into effect") the instant they are signed, unless they state otherwise, and the terms will deal with each parties obligations from that point forward. This will be important to know for future leases, auto purchases, and just about every other contract since performance of one or both parties usually comes after it is signed.