Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

I live in NJ. Me and my wife are getting divorce, and I want to get out of apartment lease. How can I do that?

Asked on 9/20/13, 9:56 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

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Remember that leases and landlords don't really care what your personal circumstances are. They just want you to maintain the apartment and keep paying rent to the end of the term. If you stop paying and move out, and your wife stops paying, your credit will be affected negatively. So it's not a good idea to just walk out. Most leases provide that each of you are 100% responsible on the lease, not 50/50.

Unless the lease has a provision permitting you to terminate, you can't. If both of you want to leave the apartment, you may be able to negotiate an early lease termination with the landlord. If you succeed, be sure to get something in writing terminating the lease and releasing you from any further obligations.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

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Answered on 9/21/13, 9:46 pm

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