Ithaca, NY asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for New York

Q: The leasing office asks me to sign an agreement for not suing them.

The leasing office agrees to let me cancel my lease early. However, they ask me to sign an agreement, including not suing them, not posting any comments about the properties on the internet, and not letting other people know the existence of this agreement. Do I have to sign the form? I have returned my keys, but haven't got my security deposit back.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: They do not have to let you out of your lease. If you want the deal sign the form.

Elaine Shay
PREMIUM
Elaine Shay
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: Generally, even after the keys are returned, tenants remain liable for payment of the rent for the remaining term of the lease. Landlords are not obligated to terminate a lease before it has expired but tenants can try to negotiate for terms to do so. From your description, it appears that the landlord is willing to release you under certain terms. If you and the landlord don't agree to the terms, there is no deal and the landlord would be able to retain your security deposit and even pursue you for additional rent until the lease expires even if you have moved out. You don't have to accept the landlord's terms but likewise the landlord does not have to accept yours. Who has more to lose?

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.