Alexandria, VA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia

Q: Can my landlord force me to pay $250 to break my lease

My landlord is telling me I have to pay $250 to break my lease and I am still on the hook for the remainder of the lease or until she re-rents it. If I have broken my lease, am I not release from my lease by paying the $250 to break it?

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1 Lawyer Answer
F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Alexandria, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: Your obligation to pay a fee to break the lease must be in the written and signed lease provisions to be binding on you. You should look for that provision. If there is no provision as such, you are not obligated to pay the amount. If there is a provision, you should cite it in a written agreement that terminates the lease and release you for any and all future lease obligations. The termination agreement should be signed by the landlord and you.

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