Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Missouri

My fiance and I have been offered a really great opportunity to move out of our apartment and in to a house that is family owned and cheaper in rent, so it's an opportunity we can't let get away. Our apartment manager is charging us an arm and a leg to break our lease and unfortunately, we can not afford it. We only have 5 months remaining, but if we don't move now, the house will no longer be available to us. In the state of Missouri, is there a certain amount or percentage a landlord can charge to break a lease or is it up to the individual apartment owners? We are currently being charged 3 1/2 times the monthly rent and since we need a 30 day written notice and have already paid rent this month, they are also charging us for all of next month.


Asked on 11/12/09, 8:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

How one may terminate a lease early is first determined by the terms of the rental agreement0 itself. you say that you are required to give one months notice, and have done that. It is yet to be determined if you must pay for the remaining five months. The Apartmetn manger cannto legally physicall prevent you form moving you stuff out and taking up residence elsewhere. The issue is whether they can have cour thold you responsible for the remaing months on yoru lease. You may have to consult directly with an attorney who has an opportunity to examine yrou lease agreement in order to accurately assess yrou vulnerability to a civil suit from the landlord if you just move out. Many attorneys offer afree intial consultation, and some may be willing to represent you in an eventual suit by the landlord.

Good luck

Read more
Answered on 11/17/09, 4:19 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Missouri