Q: Can a tenant break their lease and demand deposit back after the area is hit by a hurricane (Ida)?
The tenant contacted me at the beginning of the month and broke their lease with 2 months remaining. They cite the hurricane as the reason. There is damage to the property and mold has developed as there has not been any power in the area since Aug. 29th. Can they break the lease with no repercussions? Do I have to return the deposit? They haven't moved any of their property, so they either abandoned it or they are just storing it there. If you need more information, please specify what additional information is needed. Thanks
A:
Check the terms of your rental contract. Often lease contracts will automatically terminate if a natural disasters damages the leased premises beyond a livable state.
Even if there isn't a natural disaster provision in your contract, you can still get out of your lease, but proper notices to your landlord are required to avoid penalties.
If you have any question, it is advisable to take your contract to an experienced contract attorney who can help you take the necessary steps to avoid a breach of contract situation.
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