Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

Breaking a Lease

My roommate (his name was on the lease too) packed up and moved out of state without giving me any warning. I cannot afford the place on my own and have been unsuccessful at finding a subletter. My landlord is telling me that the only way to break my 1yr lease is to buy it out in full (which would cost $13,805) or continue to pay the full rent until it is sublet. I do not have the money to pay rent come Oct. 1st and I have to move. Is it legal for them to not provide an acceptable way to break a lease when unforseen circumstances prevent you from fulfilling it?


Asked on 9/14/07, 12:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Peter Olson The Olson Law Firm, LLC

Re: Breaking a Lease

At a pure legal level absolutely a landlord doesn't have to provide a way to break the lease. If it says you're both jointly/severably liable you're stuck. I think my practical advice would be to leave the unit and try not to let the landlord know where you're going. It's obviously a hassle but it might allow you to not allow him to get a large monetary judgment against you.

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Answered on 9/15/07, 12:47 pm


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