Collierville, TN asked in Landlord - Tenant for Tennessee

Q: I will no longer be able to pay my rent after July & will have 2 months left on the lease. Can I move without being sued

Due to a recent heart & thyroid condition along with now The Covid 19 shutting me out of business I’m living off my savings account without an income coming in. I’m currently paying $3,500 monthly to rent a house. I will no longer be able to afford to stay in the house after making July’s rent payment. I will still have 2 months of the lease left. I’m planning to move back home with family. Is there anything that can be done during this difficult time to stop my landlord from sueing me for the last two months. He currently has $12,000 in deposit money that I’m go lose which I understand I just want to avoid being sued if possible.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Shanone Emmack
Shanone Emmack
Answered
  • Brentwood, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: You should first re-read your lease and see if there is a termination clause and decide if you have an option to terminate early under the clause. You should also talk to your landlord about your situation and see if he will let you out of the lease. If not, then I suggest giving him at least 30 days written notice that you are leaving . Technically you have a lease contract and he could sue you for the remaining balance but, hopefully giving him notice will allow him to get a new tenant and he will let you out of the lease. Good Luck!

Paul E. Tennison agrees with this answer

1 user found this answer helpful

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