Changing or Breaking Your Lease

Find out what landlords can (and can’t) do when tenants leave before the end of their lease.

If you break a lease early, you might need to pay rent through the end of the lease term. Find out if your state requires landlords to try to find a new tenant.

How the landlord may (or may not) make changes during your month-to-month tenancy or lease

Some states provide tenants who are victims of domestic violence with special protections, such as the right to break a lease early.

Many states extend special protections, such as early lease termination rights or the right to have locks changed, to tenants who are victims of domestic violence (DV). Here is a summary of and citations for relevant state laws.

A month-to-month tenancy renews (sometimes termed “rolls over”) every 30 days. But when a tenant or landlord is ready to end a month-to-month tenancy, they must follow their state's rules and procedures.

In most states, landlords and tenants must provide 30 days' notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. Find out your state's rules.

I have a neighbor above me who constantly fights with her roommate, and dogs barking on almost every balcony at every hour of the day and night. What are my options?

I'm renting a townhouse with a lease that expires in a few months. However, it looks as if a good job in another state may be available immediately. I heard that I can break a lease if I'm switching jobs. Is this true?

Protect yourself if you move out before the end of your lease term.