Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia

I am renting from a landlord who has lied to me from day one about everything she said she would do even something as small as putting a reciept in my door. I have decided to move and pay whatever penalties due. But in looking over my lease, I see no provisions for breaking the lease as I noticed were in all my past leases from everyone else. The only thing mentioned is my security deposit will be forfeited (which I dont mind). Can she make up a fee at this point to charge me or is there just a standard law for breaking the lease. I live in Atlanta, GA


Asked on 10/05/09, 8:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

The general damages (assuming no contract provisions) are lost rent unless and until a new tenant is found. The landlord has a duty to try to lease the apartment, but depending on the circumstances that can take a while. If it is a multi-unit property, it could take even longer. Your best option is to make deal in writing to terminate the lease before you leave. The worst option is to just leave and have the issue remain open. That just invites a lawsuit for a significant amount of money later, credit report issues, and big problems trying to rent or buy later.

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Answered on 10/10/09, 8:32 am


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