Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland
breaking a lease
I moved to the state of Maryland a couple of months ago and signed a 1-year lease on my one bedroom apartment. A friend of mine is moving to the area and wants me to split a two-bedroom apartment. Is it legal to break a lease? If so, what is the penalty/fine for doing so. I have asked my landlord several times for a copy of my lease and she has yet to provide me with a copy, saying that her manager still has to sign some forms. Is there anyway I could "demand" a copy to use as reference?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: breaking a lease
A lease is a legally binding document just like any other contract you sign. You should have kept a copy when you signed it, even if it wasn't yet signed by the landlord. You're certainly entitled to a copy and you should insist on it.
If you move out, you will remain responsible for the rent due until the lease ends. However, the landlord has to make a reasonable effort to re-rent the apartment to a new tenant to cut off your rent obligation. If there is a demand for the apartments in your building, sometimes a landlord will let you out of a lease early if you agree to pay a penalty to cover fix up and any vacancy time.
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