What Happens if You Break a Lease Agreement?

 Posted on August 14, 2023 in Uncategorized

North Chicago tenants may be wondering what happens if you break a standard lease agreement. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the terms of the lease agreement, the laws of the state of Illinois, and the specific circumstances of your situation.

In general, if you break a lease agreement, you are still liable for the rent payments that you would have owed had you not broken the lease. This is true even if the lease agreement has been modified.

Is it Ever Okay to Break a Lease Agreement?

The laws of the state of Illinois do allow tenants to break a lease agreement without a penalty in certain circumstances, even if the lease has been modified. For example, tenants may be able to break a lease without penalty if they are a part of the uniformed services (i.e. military), if they or their children are victims of domestic or sexual violence, if the rental property is uninhabitable, or if they are being harassed or have had their privacy rights violated by the landlord.

The fee costs for terminating a lease can vary greatly depending on the initial terms at the time the contract was signed. Tenants may also be responsible for paying for any rent that is unpaid after they move out, even if they have already paid a lease termination fee.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind if you are considering breaking a lease agreement:

• The sooner you notify your landlord that you are breaking the lease, the better. This will give your landlord more time to find a new tenant and minimize your financial liability.

• Be prepared to provide your landlord with documentation to support your reason for breaking the lease. This could include a letter of written notice for military purposes, evidence regarding legal matters, such as a police report, or any other relevant documents.

• Be willing to negotiate with your landlord. In some cases, your landlord may be willing to waive the lease termination fee or reduce the amount of rent that you owe.

• If you are unable to reach an agreement with your landlord, you may need to file a lawsuit. However, this is a last resort, as it can be expensive and time-consuming.

Thinking about breaking a modified lease agreement? It is important to speak with an attorney to understand your rights and obligations. An attorney can help you to negotiate with your landlord to get out of the lease without penalty, or they can represent you in court if you are being sued.

Contact a North Chicago, IL Lease Change and Modification Attorney

It is in a renter's best interest to never break a lease, modified or otherwise. However, some circumstances for doing so can be unavoidable. You should connect with a Lake Forest, IL real estate lawyer at Newland & Newland, LLP if you are thinking about breaking your lease. We can inform you of your options and help you to make a better informed decision. Call 847-549-0000 right now to schedule a free consultation.

Source: https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2201

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2301&SeqStart=4400000&SeqEnd=5500000

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2301&SeqStart=20100000&SeqEnd=20900000

https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/breaking-a-lease-in-illinois