Q: Hi! I am writing this email to request your advice on terminating an off-campus housing lease in Ithaca. NY.
Hi! I'm an international student at Cornell University. My roommate and I currently live in an off-campus apartment in Ithaca. Due to the virus situation, we decided to move to Long Island and study online next semester. However, before the pandemic, we renewed and extended our lease to next year, and our deposit is equal to 1.5 months' rent instead of 1 month. The new lease starts in 10 days. Now we hope to terminate the new lease. But we didn't find any termination items in lease documents. Our landlord told us that the only thing we can do is to sublease the apartment. Otherwise, we'll have to pay the rent until the end of the lease. We tried to look for new tenants but failed. Students coming to campus are much less than last year. Since the new lease is beginning in less than 10 days, my roommate and I are anxious. We would very much appreciate it if you could kindly advise on the early termination of our lease!
A: The lease will govern your rights. However, as a suit for damages would not be enforceable internationally as a practical matter, there is nothing the landlord can really do. Just do not pay.
1 user found this answer helpful
A: Afraid all you are likely to be able to do is try to negotiate with your landlord for a reduced amount as payment in full. Unless NY passes an emergency exception for student leases, and they have not I understand, you are stuck. Common problem.
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