Calculate the cost to break your lease early. Includes remaining rent, penalties, and mitigation from landlord re-renting.
Often 1β2 months; check lease
Advertising, cleaning, screening
Landlord effort to fill unit
Full remaining rent + fees
After landlord re-rents
| Monthly Rent | $1,500 |
| Months Remaining on Lease | 8 |
| Remaining Rent (Full) | $12,000 |
| Break Fee (1.5 months) | $2,250 |
| Re-Release/Marketing Fees (1 months) | $1,500 |
| Gross Cost (No Mitigation) | $15,750 |
| Est. Re-Lease Time (30 days) | 1 months |
| Remaining Rent (After Mitigation) | $10,500 |
| Net Cost (Likely) | $13,500 |
| Savings from Mitigation | $2,250 |
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Gross Cost = Remaining Rent + Break Fee + Re-Release Fees
Net Cost = (Remaining Rent β Mitigated Amount) + Break Fee
Landlords must mitigate; your actual cost depends on how quickly they re-lease.
Varies by lease and state. Typically: remaining rent balance + break fee (often 1β2 months) + re-leasing costs (1 month's rent for advertising, cleaning, screening). Many states require landlords to mitigate damages by re-renting, so actual cost may be lower.
Yes, in most states. Landlords have a 'duty to mitigate' β they must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit. Many will reduce your break cost if they find a new tenant quickly. Some states allow you to find a replacement tenant to fully avoid penalties.
A predetermined penalty in your lease (often 1β2 months' rent) for early termination without cause. Check your leaseβsome have this, some don't. If not specified, you typically owe the landlord's damages (re-leasing costs + any rent gap).
Sometimes. Many landlords will negotiate if: (1) you find a qualified replacement tenant, (2) you offer to pay a lump sum (cheaper than months of vacancy), or (3) you have legitimate hardship (job relocation, unsafe conditions). Always tryβworst case they say no.
Calculations are for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.